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Casualties unknown

VOR Approach Collision with Tree in IMC (N31844)

Attalla, AL, US

On January 16, 1984, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N31844) was involved in an aviation accident near Attalla, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a VOR approach in IMC and descent below the minimum descent altitude, attributed to his lack of instrument qualification. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A non-instrument rated pilot continued a descent past minimums during a VOR approach in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with a tree.

What happened

The aircraft was operating under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan while conducting a VOR approach to land. The weather conditions were classified as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the final phase of the approach, the pilot continued the descent beyond the published minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 960 feet. The field elevation was recorded at 569 feet. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree.

The investigation

Examination of the accident site and available records revealed no mechanical malfunctions or physical discrepancies with the aircraft's equipment that would have contributed to the incident.

Findings

The pilot had previously filed IFR flight plans despite not holding an instrument rating. The decision to descend below the MDA in IMC without visual reference led directly to the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a VOR approach in IMC and descent below the minimum descent altitude, attributed to his lack of instrument qualification.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1984 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Attalla, AL?

A non-instrument rated pilot continued a descent past minimums during a VOR approach in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1984 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N31844, at Attalla, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a VOR approach in IMC and descent below the minimum descent altitude, attributed to his lack of instrument qualification.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38506. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.