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NTSB Report
February 2, 1990 · Piper PA28-180 · N8859J
Castle Rock, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 2, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Castle Rock, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA28-180
Tail Number
N8859J
Operator
Jacobson George E
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA90FA039
DURING A PLEASURE FLT IN VISUAL TO IMC, THE PRIVATE PLT REPORTED TO ATC THAT HE WAS CIRCLING UP THROUGH A HOLE IN THE CLOUDS LOOKING FOR CLEAR SKIES INORDER TO PROCEED NORTHBOUND. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ON TOP OF THE CLOUDS AND DESCENDED TO TRY AND GET UNDER THE CLOUDS. THE PLT WAS CAUTIONED THAT VFR FLIGHT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO CLOUD CONDITIONS, OBSCURED MOUNTAINS AND LOW FREEZING LEVELS. THE PLT LAST TRANSMITTED, THAT HE WAS PROCEEDING UNDER THE CLOUDS WHEN RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA WITH THE FUSELAGE POSITIONED VERTICAL TO THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHICH ENTERED A STALL/SPIN THAT THE PILOT DID NOT RECOVER FROM.
Full Narrative
DURING A PLEASURE FLT IN VISUAL TO IMC, THE PRIVATE PLT REPORTED TO ATC THAT HE WAS CIRCLING UP THROUGH A HOLE IN THE CLOUDS LOOKING FOR CLEAR SKIES INORDER TO PROCEED NORTHBOUND. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ON TOP OF THE CLOUDS AND DESCENDED TO TRY AND GET UNDER THE CLOUDS. THE PLT WAS CAUTIONED THAT VFR FLIGHT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO CLOUD CONDITIONS, OBSCURED MOUNTAINS AND LOW FREEZING LEVELS. THE PLT LAST TRANSMITTED, THAT HE WAS PROCEEDING UNDER THE CLOUDS WHEN RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA WITH THE FUSELAGE POSITIONED VERTICAL TO THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28-180
Tail NumberN8859J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJacobson George E
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 62 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind160° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:54
Weather SourceWFAC