FlightFinder
Check my flight
1 fatality

Accident Involving Non-Instrument Rated Pilot in Thunderstorm Region (N8175Z)

Kit Carson, CO, US

On August 17, 1992, a Piper PA-32-301T (registration N8175Z) operated by Mckenzie, Joseph A. & Mary E. was involved in an aviation accident near Kit Carson, CO. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING, HIS ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT INTO A LEVEL SIX THUNDERSTORM, AND HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT TIME. 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 non-instrument rated pilot departed Hutchison, KS for Colorado Springs, CO without an FAA weather briefing or flight plan. The wreckage was found two days later scattered over 0.7 miles amid severe thunderstorms.

Background

A non-instrument rated pilot departed Hutchison, Kansas, en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado. There is no record that the pilot obtained an FAA weather briefing or filed a flight plan before departure. The pilot was known to use his Strike Finder to navigate through thunderstorms.

Accident Sequence

The wreckage was discovered two days later scattered over 0.7 miles in an open field. National Weather Service radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms in the area of Kit Carson at the estimated time of the accident, with a maximum intensity of level six.

Wreckage and Damage

Pieces of the right wing, horizontal stabilizers, and cabin roof were found strewn along the wreckage path. The left wing and vertical stabilizer remained attached to the airplane by control cables. The cabin was gutted by fire. The right wing spar stub was bent down and aft. The left horizontal stabilizer spar stub was bent down and aft, and the right horizontal stabilizer spar stub was bent up and aft.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 1992 Piper PA-32-301T accident near Kit Carson, CO?

A non-instrument rated pilot departed Hutchison, KS for Colorado Springs, CO without an FAA weather briefing or flight plan. The wreckage was found two days later scattered over 0.7 miles amid severe thunderstorms.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 1992 Piper PA-32-301T accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-32-301T, registration N8175Z, operated by Mckenzie, Joseph A. & Mary E., at Kit Carson, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING, HIS ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT INTO A LEVEL SIX THUNDERSTORM, AND HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT TIME.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15384. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.