On November 8, 1991, a Piper PA-24 (registration N7120P) operated by Koger, Bobby B. was involved in an aviation accident near Engelhard, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE SPATIAL DISORIENTATION EXPERIENCED BY THE PILOT, AND HIS INADVERTENT DESCENT INTO THE TERRAIN. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK, NIGHT LIGHTING CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A non-instrument rated pilot crashed shortly after a night departure from a North Carolina airport, with the wreckage found north of the runway. The investigation found no mechanical issues but noted conditions conducive to spatial disorientation.
Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot was returning to his home airport following a business trip. The accident occurred at night, with visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailing and an overcast ceiling at 7,000 feet. The departure runway heading was directly toward the Pamlico Sound in eastern North Carolina. The wreckage was located one-quarter mile north of the departure end of runway 11. The airplane impacted trees and terrain in a shallow descent and came to rest inverted.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed no evidence of mechanical problems or loss of aircraft control prior to impact. It was noted that there were a lack of night visual references in the sparsely populated area. This, coupled with darkness and an overcast ceiling, resulted in conditions conducive to spatial disorientation.
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