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NTSB Report
November 15, 1991 · Piper PA28-236 · N412GK
Valley Center, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Valley Center, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA28-236
Tail Number
N412GK
Operator
Heck Thomas J Iii
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI92FA028
A PRIVATE PILOT WITHOUT INSTRUMENT RATING OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEF AND FILED IFR FOR A 4-HOUR NIGHT FLIGHT TO A REFUELING STOP. HIS DESTINATION WAS REPORTING IFR AND FORECASTING MARGINAL CONDITIONS ON ARRIVAL, WITH AN OUTLOOK FOR IFR. WEATHER REMAINED IFR THROUGH ARRIVAL, AND HE COMMENCED AN ILS APPROACH TO THE FIELD. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INTERCEPT COURSE, THE PILOT INITIATED A RIGHT TURN WHICH CONTINUED AWAY FROM THE FIELD AND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A RAPID DESCENT OUT OF RADAR CONTACT. THE AIRPLANE BROKE UP IN FLIGHT AS RESULT OF HIGH POSITIVE ACCELERATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND HIS EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S DESIGN LIMITS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR DIRECTIVES AND PROCEDURES, AND HIS CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER.
Full Narrative
A PRIVATE PILOT WITHOUT INSTRUMENT RATING OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEF AND FILED IFR FOR A 4-HOUR NIGHT FLIGHT TO A REFUELING STOP. HIS DESTINATION WAS REPORTING IFR AND FORECASTING MARGINAL CONDITIONS ON ARRIVAL, WITH AN OUTLOOK FOR IFR. WEATHER REMAINED IFR THROUGH ARRIVAL, AND HE COMMENCED AN ILS APPROACH TO THE FIELD. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INTERCEPT COURSE, THE PILOT INITIATED A RIGHT TURN WHICH CONTINUED AWAY FROM THE FIELD AND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A RAPID DESCENT OUT OF RADAR CONTACT. THE AIRPLANE BROKE UP IN FLIGHT AS RESULT OF HIGH POSITIVE ACCELERATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:33 CST
Nearest AirportWichita Mid-Continent (10nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length10300 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28-236
Tail NumberN412GK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHeck Thomas J Iii
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J345D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind200° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time04:08
Weather SourceWFAC