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Casualties unknown

VFR Flight in Adverse Weather Below Minimum Altitudes (N5007P)

Muncie Valley, PA, US

On August 9, 1991, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5007P) operated by Joseph J. Duffy was involved in an aviation accident near Muncie Valley, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN VISUAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH TREES. 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 with an instrument rating but limited actual instrument experience departed VFR during adverse weather, flew a VOR airway 2000 feet below the minimum en route altitude, and did not obtain a weather briefing or file an IFR flight plan.

Background

The pilot of the aircraft did not receive a weather briefing before departure. He departed under visual flight rules (VFR) despite the presence of adverse weather conditions.

Flight Details

During the flight, the pilot operated along a VOR airway at an altitude that was 2000 feet below the published minimum en route altitude (MEA) for that route. Although the pilot held an instrument rating, his total actual instrument flight time was limited to 10 hours, and he had completed only 6 instrument approaches. He did not file an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.

Weather Conditions

Weather along the route of flight was reported by witnesses and reporting facilities as characterized by low ceilings, restricted visibility, and rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1991 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Muncie Valley, PA?

A pilot with an instrument rating but limited actual instrument experience departed VFR during adverse weather, flew a VOR airway 2000 feet below the minimum en route altitude, and did not obtain a weather briefing or file an IFR flight plan.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1991 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N5007P, operated by Joseph J. Duffy, at Muncie Valley, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN VISUAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PRE-FLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM EN ROUTE ALTITUDE ON HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.