1993-02-04: Piper PA-32 — Hamilton, Norbert D. — Austin, MN

Casualties unknown • Austin, MN, US

Probable cause

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

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DEPARTED IN SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS FOR A FLIGHT TO ANOTHER AIRPORT ABOUT 17 MILES TO THE WEST. HE WAS ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. HE RECEIVED VFR ADVISORIES FROM ATC, WAS GIVEN A VECTOR FOR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, AND AGAIN ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ENTERED A FOG BANK AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION. HE SAID HE INADVERTENTLY LOST ALTITUDE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST HIS GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS). HE TRIED TO REGAIN ALTITUDE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING TERRAIN.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-02-04 Piper PA-32 accident near Austin, MN?

THE INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DEPARTED IN SPECIAL VFR CONDITIONS FOR A FLIGHT TO ANOTHER AIRPORT ABOUT 17 MILES TO THE WEST. HE WAS ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. HE RECEIVED VFR ADVISORIES FROM ATC, WAS GIVEN A VECTOR FOR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, AND AGAIN ADVISED TO MAINTAIN VFR. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ENTERED A…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-02-04 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.

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.

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