FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument-Rated Pilot Encounters Adverse Weather Leading to Inflight Breakup (N28568)

Fogelsville, PA, US

On July 31, 1991, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N28568) operated by Albert J. Loquasto was involved in an aviation accident near Fogelsville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL. 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 non-instrument-rated pilot departed in marginal VFR conditions despite forecasts of IFR weather. Radar data showed a rapid descent exceeding 10,000 fpm; the airplane broke up in flight with wings separating.

Background

A pilot who did not hold an instrument rating planned a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The weather at the departure airport remained instrument flight rules (IFR) longer than anticipated. Despite that, the pilot took off when conditions were still marginal VFR.

Environmental Conditions

Reports indicated turbulence, thunderstorms, and poor visibility in the area. These conditions posed challenges for VFR flight.

Flight Progression

While climbing through 6,700 feet, radar data showed the airplane enter a rapid descent. The vertical velocity exceeded 10,000 feet per minute, indicating a loss of controlled flight.

Inflight Breakup

The airplane's wings separated in flight. A witness observed the fuselage spiral into the ground, followed by the wings three to four minutes later.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated a total flight time of 218 hours.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1991 Piper PA-28-236 accident near Fogelsville, PA?

A non-instrument-rated pilot departed in marginal VFR conditions despite forecasts of IFR weather. Radar data showed a rapid descent exceeding 10,000 fpm; the airplane broke up in flight with wings separating.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-236, registration N28568, operated by Albert J. Loquasto, at Fogelsville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY, HIS LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HIS LACK OF AN INSTRUMENT RATING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17649. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.