On April 21, 1990, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N1680P) operated by Burri, Gregory D. was involved in an aviation accident near Eldora, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night cross-country flight, a pilot attempted a precautionary landing at an unlit turf airport due to low fuel. He mistakenly selected the wrong airport and used the wrong radio frequency. On final approach, the aircraft struck power lines and collided with terrain. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries; the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A night cross-country flight ended with a collision with power lines and terrain following a failed attempt at a precautionary landing. The pilot, observing low fuel levels, decided to land at what he believed was an unlit turf airport. He attempted to activate the runway lights using the aircraft's transmitter but was unsuccessful. It was later determined that he had selected the wrong airport and was also using the incorrect radio frequency for that location.
Circumstances
The pilot initiated a final approach to the presumed airport location. During this approach, the aircraft struck power lines and subsequently collided with the terrain. The incident occurred at an unspecified location during nighttime conditions.
Outcome
The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. No further details regarding the aircraft, operator, or date were provided in the investigation source.
What happened in the 21 Apr 1990 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Eldora, IA?
During a night cross-country flight, a pilot attempted a precautionary landing at an unlit turf airport due to low fuel. He mistakenly selected the wrong airport and used the wrong radio frequency. On final approach, the aircraft struck power lines and collided with terrain. The pilot and two passengers received…
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 1990 Piper PA-22-150 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Apr 1990 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N1680P, operated by Burri, Gregory D., at Eldora, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE AIRCRAFT'S LOW FUEL LEVEL, DARKNESS, THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG AIRPORT/RUNWAY, THE RUNWAY LIGHTS NOT OPERATING, AND THE OBSTRUCTIONS…
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