PIPER PA-28-180 — Mertzon, TX

What happened

The non-instrument-rated pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight while marginal VFR and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were present along the route. Following a planned en route fuel stop, the pilot deviated from the planned flight route and altitude. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that for the next six hours the pilot maneuvered around adverse weather conditions at low altitudes and made two stops at airports not listed on the flight plan. Before the first stop, one of the passengers sent a text message telling the pilot’s parents that they had to turn back because the weather was not good. The text message included a photograph depicting the airplane operating in an area with a low cloud layer and visible moisture. The pilot delayed his departure from the second unplanned airport stop for about two and a half hours for unknown reasons. After departing at night, the pilot continued to maneuver at a low altitude, and not directly toward his original destination. It is likely that the combination of low cloud ceilings, dark conditions, and the pilot’s limited experience with instrument flight, resulted in the pilot not maintaining sufficient altitude to clear the hilly terrain while trying to maintain VFR flight.

The ADS-B data, impact trajectory, and the wreckage distribution were consistent with spatial disorientation. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The continuation of the cross-country flight at night with forecast IMC is consistent with the pilot’s overconfidence in his flying abilities.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.