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NTSB Report
April 12, 1992 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N16540
Narrows, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 12, 1992
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Narrows, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N16540
Operator
Dragon Rider
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC92FA078
AN INTENSE THUNDERSTORM WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA OF THE ACCIDENT. ATC RADAR DATA SHOWED THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE MADE A SHARP TURN AND LOST ALTITUDE. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AND ENGINE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF AN INSTRUMENT RATING, AND HIS DISREGARD OF FORCASTED ADVERSE WEATHER ALONG THE ROUTE OF FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
AN INTENSE THUNDERSTORM WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA OF THE ACCIDENT. ATC RADAR DATA SHOWED THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE MADE A SHARP TURN AND LOST ALTITUDE. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AND ENGINE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN16540
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDragon Rider
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT