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NTSB Report
November 22, 1990 · Piper PA-32-RT300 PA-32-RT30 · N9800K
Gaylord, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 22, 1990
Injury Outcomes
6 injuries (4 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Gaylord, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-RT300 PA-32-RT30
Tail Number
N9800K
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91FA031
THE PILOT HAD OBTAINED 3 WEATHER BRIEFINGS BEFORE THE NIGHT FLIGHT. FORECAST WEATHER WAS IMC ENROUTE AND AT DESTINATION, DETERIORATING THROUGH MIDNIGHT. THE PILOT FILED VFR TO SAGINAW AND IFR TO HIS DESTINATION. HE WAS NOT INSTRUMENT-RATED. THE PILOT BROKE OUT BENEATH A 600-FT OVERCAST AND ATTEMPTED FOR THE NEXT HOUR TO LAND. THE AIRPLANE EVENTUALLY FLEW INTO TREES ON AN EXTENDED DOWNWIND IN THE LANDING CONFIGURATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO THESE CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD OBTAINED 3 WEATHER BRIEFINGS BEFORE THE NIGHT FLIGHT. FORECAST WEATHER WAS IMC ENROUTE AND AT DESTINATION, DETERIORATING THROUGH MIDNIGHT. THE PILOT FILED VFR TO SAGINAW AND IFR TO HIS DESTINATION. HE WAS NOT INSTRUMENT-RATED. THE PILOT BROKE OUT BENEATH A 600-FT OVERCAST AND ATTEMPTED FOR THE NEXT HOUR TO LAND. THE AIRPLANE EVENTUALLY FLEW INTO TREES ON AN EXTENDED DOWNWIND IN THE LANDING CONFIGURATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:50 EST
Nearest AirportOtsego County (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVfif
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-RT300 PA-32-RT30
Tail NumberN9800K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary6 injuries (4 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal4
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total6
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind220° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingOvercast 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 0 C
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time00:40
Weather SourceWFAC