NTSB Identification: DEN83FA089.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 20839.
Accident occurred Thursday, March 31, 1983 in CASTLE ROCK, CO
Aircraft: PIPER PA-32-300, registration: N4005W
Injuries: 2 Serious.
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 PILOT MADE TWO ENROUTE STOPS AT PLACES OTHER THAN PLANNED BECAUSE HE WAS CONFUSED AND DISORIENTED. WHEN HE COULD NOTGET A SECTIONAL CHART HE WANTED HE TOOKOFF WITHOUT IT AFTER ONE OF THESE LANDINGS. AFTER THE SECOND LANDING HE TOOK OFF IGNORING A RED LIGHT FROM THE TOWER. HE LISTENED TO A WEATHER REPORT ON THE ACFT RADIO AND EVEN THOUGH THE WEATHER WAS DETERIORATING HE CONTINUED ON TRYING TO MAINTAIN VFR. UNAWARE OF THE HIGH TERRAIN BETWEEN COLORADO SPRINGS AND DENVER AND SEEING LIGHTS TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT THE PILOT THOUGHT HE WAS IN A VALLEY AND FLEW INTO A RIDGE SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING. LOCAL RESIDENTS SAID THERE WAS STRONG WINDS, BLOWING SNOW, AND LOW VISIBILITY AT THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE ACCIDENT.
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..MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY
Contributing Factors
PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
EN ROUTE CHARTS..UNAVAILABLE
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..SNOW
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..OBSCURATION
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..LOW CEILING
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