VFR into IMC · NTSB ERA09LA123
PIPER PA-28-151 — Powder Springs, TN
| Date | January 3, 2009 |
| Location | Powder Springs, TN |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-28-151 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute VFR encounter with IMC |
| Pilot age | 64 |
| Pilot total time | 116 hrs · Low time |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low ceiling-Effect on personnel
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low visibility-Effect on personnel
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of policy/procedure-Pilot - C
What happened
After departing the traffic pattern and turning toward mountainous terrain, the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot had some training for his instrument rating but did not yet possess one. A witness who resided near the accident location heard the airplane traveling in a northerly direction and impact terrain. He reported that, the "weather was overcast," and he could not see the tops of the mountains. He estimated that the cloud base at the time was about 100 to 200 feet below the tops of the mountains. Review of a weather briefing which was obtained by the pilot revealed that he was advised that flight under visual flight rules was not recommended due to low ceilings and visibility along the route of flight and that the pilot had declined to file a flight plan. Additionally, no evidence was discovered that indicated the pilot had attempted to receive updated weather information prior to the accident flight, or that he had contact with air traffic control. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures.