Nighttime terrain collision near Ellington Airport

Casualties unknown • Somers, CT, US

Aircraft crashed into 800-foot terrain while descending at night, 2.2 miles from Ellington Airport. No mechanical failure or pilot impairment was found.

What happened

During a nighttime flight approximately one mile west of Ellington Airport, the aircraft was observed flying north just above terrain rising to 800 feet. The plane appeared to be in a gradual descent and did not seem capable of clearing the ground ahead. Shortly after the aircraft disappeared from view, a witness reported seeing a glow and smoke rising from the crash site.

The wreckage came to rest at an elevation of 800 feet, located 2.2 miles northeast of the airport. The debris field was scattered over a distance of about 300 feet and oriented on a magnetic heading of 335 degrees. The airport elevation is 235 feet MSL, with a traffic pattern altitude of 1250 feet MSL.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction. Investigators found no signs of pilot incapacitation or impairment that could have contributed to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a night flight, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-03-31 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Somers, CT?

Aircraft crashed into 800-foot terrain while descending at night, 2.2 miles from Ellington Airport. No mechanical failure or pilot impairment was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-03-31 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N6599P, at Somers, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a night flight, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.

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