NTSB Identification: NYC87FA006.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 32390.
Accident occurred Friday, October 03, 1986 in HOLYOKE, MA
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-140, registration: N38688
Injuries: 3 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE AIRCRAFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SPECIAL VISUAL FLIGHT RULES ARRIVAL WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A ROCK FACE SLOPE 2 MILES EAST OF THE AIRPORT WHILE ON A EASTERLY HEADING. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER 1 HOUR AFTER SUNSET. THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT RATING. THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE FATALLY INJURED. A SPECIAL WEATHER OBSERVATION TAKEN RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHOWED THE WEATHER TO BE: ESTIMATED 400 FT BROKEN, 1400 FT OVERCAST. VISIBILITY 1 1/2 MILES WITH LIGHT RAIN AND FOG.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC..CONTINUED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..RISING
Contributing Factors
PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION..POOR..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..FOG
Contributing Factors
LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..LOW CEILING
Contributing Factors
WEATHER EVALUATION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..RAIN
Contributing Factors
JUDGMENT..POOR..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
LIGHT CONDITION..NIGHT
Contributing Factors
PREFLIGHT BRIEFING SERVICE..NOT ATTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
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