On February 8, 1992, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8346B) operated by Island Aviation Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fernandina Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot did not set the altimeter to the field elevation before departure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot failed to set the altimeter to field elevation before departure, resulting in a descent during a turn and impact with the ocean. The pilot lacked night flying instruction, training in the aircraft, and had not flown in six months.
Accident Overview
According to official reports, a student pilot departed without setting the altimeter to the field elevation. The flight proceeded south along the coast at an indicated altitude of 500 feet. After turning left to return toward the Atlantic Ocean, the airplane began descending. The pilot attempted to correct the descent by applying power, but the aircraft impacted the water. At the time of impact, the altimeter indicated 400 feet.
Pilot Background
The airplane owner stated that the pilot had not received instruction in night flying, did not have permission to fly the airplane, and had not received training in that specific make and model. The pilot further reported that he had not flown in the previous six months.
Probable cause
The student pilot did not set the altimeter to the field elevation before departure.
What happened in the 8 Feb 1992 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Fernandina Bch, FL?
A student pilot failed to set the altimeter to field elevation before departure, resulting in a descent during a turn and impact with the ocean. The pilot lacked night flying instruction, training in the aircraft, and had not flown in six months.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Feb 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8346B, operated by Island Aviation Services, Inc., at Fernandina Bch, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot did not set the altimeter to the field elevation before departure.
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