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NTSB Report
October 10, 2009 · Piper PA28 151 · N43620
Lebanon, VA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 2009
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Lebanon, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 151
Tail Number
N43620
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA017
The pilot stated that he was in cruise flight at 2,500 feet when he encountered low clouds and fog. He lost visual contact with the ground and initiated a climbing left turn. Seconds later, he impacted rising terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and the empennage. Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from a flight service station that forecasted overcast ceilings at 3,000 feet and 10 miles visibility near the route of flight with conditions improving throughout the day. The pilot stated that the weather at the time of the accident was approximately 5 miles visibility, with an overcast ceiling at 3,000 feet.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he was in cruise flight at 2,500 feet when he encountered low clouds and fog. He lost visual contact with the ground and initiated a climbing left turn. Seconds later, he impacted rising terrain which resulted in substantial damaged to the wings, fuselage, and the empennage. Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from a flight service station that forecasted overcast ceilings at 3,000 feet and 10 miles visibility near the route of flight with conditions improving throughout the day. The pilot stated the weather at the time of the accident was approximately 5 miles visibility, with an overcast ceiling at 3,000 feet.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28 151
Tail NumberN43620
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 54
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time20:03
Weather SourceWFAC