Casualties unknown

1989-04-22: Piper PA-38-112 (N2601A) — Winn, David — Brazil, IN

Brazil, IN, US

On April 22, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2601A) operated by Winn, David was involved in an aviation accident near Brazil, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE TO ESTABLISH A PROPER GLIDEPATH. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION, THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY, AND HIS LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRPLANE. 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 pilot chose a lower approach altitude after a previous long landing, leading to a tree strike and uncontrolled descent. The pilot was seriously injured; the passenger was unharmed.

Incident Overview

An accident occurred during a night landing when the pilot elected to fly the final approach at a lower altitude than during a previous landing at another airport earlier that day. The decision was based on the earlier approach resulting in a long landing. The aircraft struck trees short of the runway and subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent into the terrain.

Occupant Status

The pilot sustained serious injuries in the accident, while the passenger reported no injuries. The exact nature of the terrain impact and subsequent damage to the aircraft were not specified in the available information.

Circumstances

The approach was conducted on a dark night, and the aircraft impacted trees before reaching the runway. The lower-than-usual approach altitude contributed to the aircraft being short of the runway, leading to the collision with obstacles. Following the tree strike, the aircraft descended uncontrollably into the ground.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or environmental conditions were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.