The pilot’s deviation from the final approach course during a night instrument approach with low instrument meterological conditions, which resulted in an impact with heavily wooded terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the approach after being warned of his flightpath deviations and his lack of experience in instrument conditions at night.
NTSB Accidents
Fatigue fracture leads to crash
A loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 1 cylinder’s rocker shaft bosses, which resulted in a forced landing into uneven terrain.
Fuel starvation brings down Piper
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for undetermined reasons during a departure climb that resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
High density altitude contributes to crash
The airplane’s inability to climb during takeoff due to a degradation of engine performance due to high density altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff.
Diamond crashes after mechanic fails to set correct engine timing
Maintenance personnel’s failure to set the correct engine timing after the replacement of a cylinder head and exhaust camshaft before the accident flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Improper positioning of fuel selector leads to fuel starvation
The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector during takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
In-flight breakup fatal for three
The pilot’s loss of control of the airplane, resulting in an in-flight breakup.
Oil starvation leads to crash
A loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the failure of the No. 3 crankshaft journal bearing.
Maintenance personnel fail to detect damaged aileron cable
Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect the damaged aileron cable during the most recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and subsequent loss of airplane control.