The non-instrument-rated pilot departed on a cross-country flight in the Piper PA 28-181 after topping off the fuel tanks.
Radar data and fuel records revealed that, about three hours later, the airplane stopped at an airport and was fueled. It subsequently departed and flew toward the destination airport for about 30 miles, but it then returned to the same airport to be fueled again. The airplane departed again and flew toward the destination airport.
Radar data showed that the airplane then climbed to 10,500 feet mean sea level, but that it subsequently began to descend. The last radar return showed the airplane at 7,100 feet msl.
The airplane was reported missing when it did not arrive at the destination. A search was conducted, and the airplane’s emergency locator transmitter signal was used to find the wreckage.
The airplane had hit rising terrain near Vaughn, N.M., in a level flight attitude, killing both people on board.
Marks and bending found on the propeller were consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact.
Multiple weather sources showed that instrument meteorological conditions existed along the route of flight and that these were reported before the airplane departed.
Additionally, the freezing level was at the surface, and moderate turbulence was expected from the surface through 24,000 feet.
Pilots flying in the area around the time of the accident confirmed the presence of turbulence and/or mountain-wave conditions, and they indicated the presence of icing in the clouds with cloud tops near 9,000 feet. Additionally, no moonlight was present during the flight.
No record was found indicating that the pilot received a formal preflight weather briefing. If he had, he would have been made aware of the weather conditions along the route of flight.
Although the investigation could not determine what weather information the pilot might have reviewed before departure, his decision to conduct the flight in poor weather conditions was indicative of poor decision-making.
The evidence is consistent with the non-instrument-rated pilot flying at night in instrument conditions while likely attempting to fly under the clouds when the airplane hit rising terrain.
Toxicological testing of the pilot detected tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the investigation could not determine if the pilot was impaired from the THC before or during the flight.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
NTSB Identification: CEN15FA092
This December 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Just chilling how incredibly bad the decision making can me. I’m a VFR pilot and you couldn’t pay me enough to attempt to fly in mountainous terrain at night, especially in bad weather and with no moon light… it just a death wish, and one that was granted. The truly sad part is that he took someone else with him and just like in most of these stories I presume, that person has no idea how qualified or unqualified their ‘pilot’ is for the flight they are taking, and that is the real tragedy.
As a VFR pilot you can easily do night flying in mountains in VMC without a moon. Just make sure you takeoff and circle the airport and get to 1000 feet above the highest peak shown on the sectional. Then make sure you descend on the approach also having read and understood the ODP for that airport. The problem this guy had was scud running under the clouds and not knowing how high the mountains were around him. And flying without training too.
Flying high with maryjane or alcohol is it’s own reward, the same old scenario. This pilot should have stayed on the ground or spent money on a instrument rating instead of dope.
The entire scenario is bad for ANYONE not just a VFR only pilot. Esp if the plane had no de-icing and in-cock-pit weather which no doubt this old plane had neither. No one should fly in high mountain areas without terraine mapping even in daytime VFR conditions. The fact this guy was not instrument trained MAY say the pilot was not aware of the dangers, but many high hour VFR guys do know about these things and still ignore them….as do some instrument trained guys.
Same old story, same old results. I have no idea what can reasonably be done to prevent these recurring weather related accidents. Some pilots seem to have the “can’t happen to me” attitude.
VFR into IMC (at night) is not good decision making for a non-instrument rated pilot. The NTSB accident report and docket say that there was THC (from recent use of marijuana) in his lung, liver, blood, etc. While the NTSB said they were “unable to determine” the THC was sufficient to result in impairment, the possibility was strong enough for them to mention the drug as contributory in the Probable Cause statement. Presence in the lung is transitory so would suggest the pilot was “high” in more than just altitude. “Happy Days” should stay on the ground. CAMI research shows that the affect of any drug can be increased with altitude. The flight made it to 10,500′ before the pilot lost control.