Casualties unknown

1985-11-26: Piper AZTEC (N6LQ) — North Adams, MA

North Adams, MA, US

On November 26, 1985, a Piper AZTEC (registration N6LQ) was involved in an aviation accident near North Adams, MA. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight from Albany to Pittsfield, MA, operating under IFR then VFR, collided with terrain while on final approach to North Adams, destroying the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A flight departed Albany, New York, under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and subsequently picked up an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The pilot flew the approach until reaching VFR conditions under a cloud layer at approximately 2,500 feet altitude.

Flight Progression

Continuing VFR toward North Adams at an altitude of 2,000 feet, the pilot spotted the city of North Adams and descended to 1,800 feet. As the flight turned final, the runway lights were activated.

Collision and Damage

The flight then collided with terrain and crashed, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.

Investigation

The official accident investigation source provided no additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, occupants, injuries, time of day, weather characterization, or air traffic control involvement beyond the initial IFR clearance pickup. No probable cause was stated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.