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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 31, 1991 · Piper PA-28-180 · N8855J

West Wardsboro, VT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 31, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
West Wardsboro, VT
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N8855J
Operator
Stuart P Dauchy
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO92FA005

THE PILOT WAS FLYING HIS AIRCRAFT VFR TO A NEARBY MOUNTAIN TOP AIRPORT TO STORE IT FOR THE WINTER. AS HE PROGRESSED TO HIS DESTINATION THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN VALLEYS, THE CLOUDS WERE MUCH CLOSER TO THE GROUND. WHILE MANEUVERING TO FIND HIS WAY, HE COLLIDED WITH A MOUNTAIN.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FLIGHT AND WEATHER PLANNING.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS FLYING HIS AIRCRAFT VFR TO A NEARBY MOUNTAIN TOP AIRPORT TO STORE IT FOR THE WINTER. AS HE PROGRESSED TO HIS DESTINATION THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN VALLEYS, THE CLOUDS WERE MUCH CLOSER TO THE GROUND. WHILE MANEUVERING TO FIND HIS WAY, HE COLLIDED WITH A MOUNTAIN.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN8855J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorStuart P Dauchy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility1 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data