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Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Forecast Turbulence During Instrument Flight, Aircraft Suffers Inflight Structural Separation (N2968R)

Placerville, CA, US

On April 13, 1992, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N2968R) operated by Neil W. Clark was involved in an aviation accident near Placerville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHICH ENDURED AIRFRAME LOADS THAT EXCEEDED THE AIRCRAFT'S DESIGN STRESS LIMITS. 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

During an instrument flight, the pilot encountered forecast moderate turbulence. Radar data shows the aircraft entered a right spiral descent, descending from 11,100 to 3,100 feet within a minute. Wing and stabilator components were found separated from the main wreckage.

Flight History

The pilot received a weather briefing prior to departure, during which he was informed that moderate turbulence might be encountered along the planned route. He filed an instrument flight plan, received his clearance, and took off without incident. No communication or navigation difficulties were reported as the airplane climbed to 11,000 feet.

En-Route Events

While en route, the pilot likely encountered the forecast turbulence. According to radar track data, the airplane initially remained on course. After several minutes, it entered a right spiral descending turn. At 19:35:58, the airplane was at 11,100 feet. At 19:36:53, the airplane was at 3,100 feet and had completed at least one 360-degree turn during the descent.

Wreckage and Examination

Portions of the airplane's right wing and stabilator assembly were found approximately one mile from the main wreckage. No evidence was found of the pilot having recently completed a Biennial Flight Review (BFR). During the previous year, he had logged about 6.9 instrument hours.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Apr 1992 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Placerville, CA?

During an instrument flight, the pilot encountered forecast moderate turbulence. Radar data shows the aircraft entered a right spiral descent, descending from 11,100 to 3,100 feet within a minute. Wing and stabilator components were found separated from the main wreckage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Apr 1992 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N2968R, operated by Neil W. Clark, at Placerville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHICH ENDURED AIRFRAME LOADS THAT EXCEEDED THE AIRCRAFT'S DESIGN STRESS LIMITS. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT RELATED TO THE PILOT'S ENCOUNTER WITH TURBULENCE, AND TO HIS LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT FLYING…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14442. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.