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Casualties unknown

Pilot Encountered Fog and Lost Altitude While Adjusting GPS (N3658W)

Austin, MN, US

On February 4, 1993, a Piper PA-32 (registration N3658W) operated by Hamilton, Norbert D. was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO IMC, DIVERTED ATTENTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An instrument-rated private pilot departed under Special VFR, entered a fog bank near destination, lost altitude while adjusting his GPS, and subsequently collided with terrain.

Incident Details

The pilot, who held an instrument rating and a private pilot certificate, departed from an airport in Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) conditions for a flight to another airport located approximately 17 miles to the west. While en route, the pilot received VFR advisories from air traffic control (ATC) and was given a vector to the destination airport. At that time, he was again advised to maintain VFR flight.

Pilot Actions

According to the pilot, as he neared his destination, he encountered a fog bank. During this phase, he inadvertently lost altitude while attempting to adjust his Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. The pilot reported that he tried to regain altitude but was unable to recover in time to avoid hitting terrain.

Outcome

The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain. No further details regarding injuries, aircraft damage, or environmental conditions were provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Feb 1993 Piper PA-32 accident near Austin, MN?

An instrument-rated private pilot departed under Special VFR, entered a fog bank near destination, lost altitude while adjusting his GPS, and subsequently collided with terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N3658W, operated by Hamilton, Norbert D., at Austin, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO IMC, DIVERTED ATTENTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11800. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.