On November 15, 1991, a Piper PA28-236 (registration N412GK) operated by Heck, Thomas J Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Valley Center, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND HIS EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S DESIGN LIMITS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR DIRECTIVES AND PROCEDURES, AND HIS CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot without instrument rating filed IFR for a night flight. While attempting an ILS approach in IFR conditions, he initiated a right turn that continued away from the field, accompanied by a rapid descent. The airplane broke up in flight due to high positive acceleration.
Accident Overview
A private pilot who did not possess an instrument rating received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan. The flight was a 4-hour nighttime journey intended to reach a refueling stop. The destination airport was reporting IFR conditions, with a forecast of marginal weather at the time of arrival and an outlook for IFR. The weather remained IFR as the pilot arrived.
Approach and Maneuvering
The pilot commenced an ILS approach to the airport. During the approach, while trying to intercept the proper course, the pilot initiated a right turn. This turn did not bring the aircraft toward the airport but rather continued away from the field. Accompanying the turn was a rapid descent. The aircraft then went out of radar contact.
Structural Failure
The airplane broke up in flight. The structural breakup occurred as a result of high positive acceleration.
What happened in the 15 Nov 1991 Piper PA28-236 accident near Valley Center, KS?
A private pilot without instrument rating filed IFR for a night flight. While attempting an ILS approach in IFR conditions, he initiated a right turn that continued away from the field, accompanied by a rapid descent. The airplane broke up in flight due to high positive acceleration.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 1991 involved a Piper PA28-236, registration N412GK, operated by Heck, Thomas J Iii, at Valley Center, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND HIS EXCEEDING THE AIRCRAFT'S DESIGN LIMITS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR DIRECTIVES AND PROCEDURES, AND HIS CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER.
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