On May 7, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7296J) operated by Profenzano, Salvatore T. was involved in an aviation accident near Livingston, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE POOR JUDGEMENT DISPLAYED BY THE PILOT WHEN HE MANEUVERED THE AIRPLANE AT EXTREMELY LOW ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. DURING THE FLIGHT THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE PULL-UP REQUIRED AND STRUCK TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot flying low over military exercises in Montana struck trees and crashed. No mechanical issues found.
Incident Details
A private pilot was operating an aircraft at treetop level over a wooded mountainous area south of Livingston, Montana. The pilot was making several passes over military units engaged in summer camp training exercises. During one of these passes, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses reported that the airplane "buzzed" the treetops several times before the crash. The repeated low passes over the training area were observed by personnel on the ground.
Investigation
The investigation into the accident revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have affected the operation of the airplane. The aircraft was functioning normally at the time of the crash.
What happened in the 7 May 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Livingston, MT?
A private pilot flying low over military exercises in Montana struck trees and crashed. No mechanical issues found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 May 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7296J, operated by Profenzano, Salvatore T., at Livingston, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE POOR JUDGEMENT DISPLAYED BY THE PILOT WHEN HE MANEUVERED THE AIRPLANE AT EXTREMELY LOW ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. DURING THE FLIGHT THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE PULL-UP REQUIRED AND STRUCK TREES.
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