On August 8, 1987, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N5994U) operated by John A Stygar was involved in an aviation accident near Last Chance, CO. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly in instrument flight rules conditions without being trained or qualified to do so, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot unqualified for instrument flight encountered IFR conditions, lost control of the aircraft, and crashed fatally.
What happened
During a cross-country flight, the pilot encountered instrument flight rules (IFR) weather conditions. The pilot was neither trained nor qualified to operate under these conditions. Air traffic control attempted to assist the pilot by routing the flight to an airport, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft and crashed into a field.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft while operating in IFR conditions without proper training or qualification. The failure of air traffic control assistance to prevent the loss of control further contributed to the outcome.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly in instrument flight rules conditions without being trained or qualified to do so, which resulted in a loss of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Aug 1987 Piper PA28-140 accident near Last Chance, CO?
A pilot unqualified for instrument flight encountered IFR conditions, lost control of the aircraft, and crashed fatally.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Aug 1987 Piper PA28-140 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Aug 1987 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N5994U, operated by John A Stygar, at Last Chance, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to fly in instrument flight rules conditions without being trained or qualified to do so, which resulted in a loss of control.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…