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Casualties unknown

Airplane Wreckage Found Nearly Submerged in Lake (N8205N)

Brilliant, AL, US

On January 1, 1993, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8205N) operated by Thomas, Aaron S. was involved in an aviation accident near Brilliant, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. IN ADDITION, THE PILOT WAS OVERCONFIDENT IN HIS ABILITY. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT. 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

An airplane departed around 1930 in IMC conditions. Weather at departure was 600 ft broken ceiling, visibility 6 mi in fog. Wreckage was found nearly submerged in a lake on 31 January 1993.

Pre-Departure and Weather

The individual who fueled the airplane at approximately 1900 before departure reported that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time. The flight departed about 1930.

Recorded Weather

The National Weather Service recorded the weather at the departure airport at 1951 as follows: ceiling 600 feet broken, 1,500 feet overcast, visibility 6 miles in fog. The area forecast for Mississippi and Alabama after 2000 called for ceilings at or below 1,000 feet above ground level, visibility of 3 miles in light drizzle and fog.

Wreckage Discovery

The wreckage was located on January 31, 1993, nearly submerged in a lake. No additional information about the aircraft, occupants, or circumstances of the flight was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jan 1993 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Brilliant, AL?

An airplane departed around 1930 in IMC conditions. Weather at departure was 600 ft broken ceiling, visibility 6 mi in fog. Wreckage was found nearly submerged in a lake on 31 January 1993.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jan 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8205N, operated by Thomas, Aaron S., at Brilliant, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. IN ADDITION, THE PILOT WAS OVERCONFIDENT IN HIS ABILITY. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16205. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.