Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-38-112 near Smithfield, RI — 2008-11-17

Final reportERA09FA060
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Date
2008-11-17
Location
Smithfield, RI, USA
Airport
SFZ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-38-112
Registration
N2316P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude during the approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The airplane approached the airport in night visual meteorological conditions, with an instrument-rated private pilot and a private-pilot-rated passenger. The pilot received clearance for a practice very-high-omnidirectional-range/global-positioning-system approach. At 1,900 feet mean sea level (msl) and prior to the final approach fix (FAF), the pilot was cleared for the practice approach and a frequency change was approved. There was no further communication with the accident flight. Radar data showed the accident flight on a ground track associated with the approach and in a steady descent from the FAF to 500 feet msl, or 80 feet above ground level (agl) and near the first tree strike. The accident occurred approximately 2/3 mile from the threshold of runway 33. The airplane was on the correct ground track for the approach when it initially struck trees approximately 80 feet agl. The minimum descent altitude for the approach was 980 feet msl, or 539 feet agl. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical discrepancies were found with the airframe or engine that would have prevented a successful completion of the approach. Recorded weather conditions at the airport near the time of the accident included a broken cloud layer at 8,000 feet, surface visibility 10 statute miles, and a surface wind from the northwest at 6 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have executed a go-around when unsure of position or attitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

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