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NTSB Report
July 30, 1989 · Piper PA-32-301 · N8257V
Haines, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 1989
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (2 fatalities, 3 serious injuries)
Location
Haines, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-301
Tail Number
N8257V
Operator
Skagway Air Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA89FA143
WHILE ON A VFR FLT FROM SKAGWAY TO JUNEAU, AK, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED OBSCURING WX CONDITIONS AND REVERSED COURSE. EN ROUTE BACK TO SKAGWAY, HE ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILING, RAIN AND FOG. HE DESCENDED TO FLY UNDER THE WX AND LOST VISUAL REFERENCE AT ABOUT 150 FT ABOVE A SALTWATER INLET. HE INITIATED A CLIMB IN IMC, BUT THE ACFT IMPACTED ON A STEEP, WOODED HILLSIDE.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC). THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A VFR FLT FROM SKAGWAY TO JUNEAU, AK, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED OBSCURING WX CONDITIONS AND REVERSED COURSE. EN ROUTE BACK TO SKAGWAY, HE ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILING, RAIN AND FOG. HE DESCENDED TO FLY UNDER THE WX AND LOST VISUAL REFERENCE AT ABOUT 150 FT ABOVE A SALTWATER INLET. HE INITIATED A CLIMB IN IMC, BUT THE ACFT IMPACTED ON A STEEP, WOODED HILLSIDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-301
Tail NumberN8257V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSkagway Air Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (2 fatalities, 3 serious injuries)
Fatal2
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 11 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:35
Weather SourceWFAC