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Casualties unknown

Pilot Flew into Trees During Night Landing Attempt in IMC Conditions (N9800K)

Gaylord, MI, US

On November 22, 1990, a Piper PA-32-RT300 (registration N9800K) was involved in an aviation accident near Gaylord, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO THESE CONDITIONS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who obtained three weather briefings and filed a VFR/IFR flight plan without an instrument rating broke out beneath a 600-ft overcast and attempted to land for an hour before flying into trees on an extended downwind in landing configuration.

Weather Briefing and Flight Plan

Before the night flight, the pilot obtained three weather briefings. Forecast conditions indicated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) en route and at the destination, with deterioration expected through midnight. The pilot filed a VFR flight plan to Saginaw and an IFR flight plan to the destination. The pilot was not instrument-rated.

Approach and Accident

During the approach, the pilot broke out beneath a 600-foot overcast ceiling. For the next hour, the pilot attempted to land. Eventually, the airplane flew into trees while on an extended downwind leg in the landing configuration.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1990 Piper PA-32-RT300 accident near Gaylord, MI?

A pilot who obtained three weather briefings and filed a VFR/IFR flight plan without an instrument rating broke out beneath a 600-ft overcast and attempted to land for an hour before flying into trees on an extended downwind in landing configuration.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1990 involved a Piper PA-32-RT300, registration N9800K, at Gaylord, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO THESE CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.