Flight Departure and Plans
After refueling at Ithaca, New York, the pilots of two Piper PA-28 aircraft departed as a flight of two. Their planned route was to continue to Cincinnati, Ohio, with an en route stop in Columbus, Ohio. The non-instrument rated pilot of aircraft N8163P was following the lead aircraft, N6888W.
Weather and Decision to Turn Back
The flight leader checked the weather and observed lightning ahead. At approximately 1915 Eastern Standard Time, the flight leader radioed that he was turning back to Bradford, Pennsylvania, to land. At this time, it was dark and the aircraft were at about 3,000 to 3,300 feet MSL.
Loss of Sight and Spatial Disorientation
The pilot of the second aircraft (N8163P) tried to keep the lead aircraft in sight during the turn but was unsuccessful. While searching for the lead plane, the pilot became disoriented and lost control of the aircraft.
Collision with Terrain
During an attempted recovery, the aircraft collided with trees on the crest of a hill at approximately 2,240 feet MSL. The aircraft was destroyed. Both occupants, however, received only minor injuries. They spent the night in the forest after the crash.