On February 9, 1985, a Piper PA-28-200 (registration CGDVM) was involved in an aviation accident near Malone, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the ground while flying in deteriorating weather conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed Massena under special VFR clearance but encountered deteriorating weather conditions including low ceilings and snow, leading to a fatal collision with a wooded hillside approximately 30 minutes after takeoff.
What happened
The aircraft departed from Massena under a special VFR clearance. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the pilot decided to return to Massena due to deteriorating weather conditions. The aircraft had been flying at an altitude of 2500 feet MSL for approximately five minutes when it contacted a hilly, wooded area on the side of a hill. The collision occurred after the aircraft encountered low ceilings and snow.
Findings
The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain. The specific weather conditions at the time included low ceilings and snow, which likely contributed to spatial disorientation or loss of visual reference.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the ground while flying in deteriorating weather conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Feb 1985 Piper PA-28-200 accident near Malone, NY?
An aircraft departed Massena under special VFR clearance but encountered deteriorating weather conditions including low ceilings and snow, leading to a fatal collision with a wooded hillside approximately 30 minutes after takeoff.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-200, registration CGDVM, at Malone, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the ground while flying in deteriorating weather conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain.
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