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NTSB Report
February 4, 1993 · Piper PA-32 · N3658W
Austin, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Austin, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-32
Tail Number
N3658W
Operator
Hamilton Norbert D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93LA087
THE INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DEPARTED IN SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS FOR A FLIGHT TO ANOTHER AIRPORT ABOUT 17 MILES TO THE WEST. HE WAS ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. HE RECEIVED VFR ADVISORIES FROM ATC, WAS GIVEN A VECTOR FOR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, AND AGAIN ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ENTERED A FOG BANK AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION. HE SAID HE INADVERTENTLY LOST ALTITUDE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST HIS GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS). HE TRIED TO REGAIN ALTITUDE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING TERRAIN.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO IMC, DIVERTED ATTENTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DEPARTED IN SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS FOR A FLIGHT TO ANOTHER AIRPORT ABOUT 17 MILES TO THE WEST. HE WAS ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. HE RECEIVED VFR ADVISORIES FROM ATC, WAS GIVEN A VECTOR FOR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, AND AGAIN ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ENTERED A FOG BANK AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION. HE SAID HE INADVERTENTLY LOST ALTITUDE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST HIS GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS). HE TRIED TO REGAIN ALTITUDE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING TERRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:28 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32
Tail NumberN3658W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHamilton Norbert D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:51
Weather SourceWFAC