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Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Encounters IMC on Night Cross-Country Flight, Aircraft Collides with Ground (N38481)

Elbert, CO, US

On April 17, 1993, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N38481) was involved in an aviation accident near Elbert, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC. FACTORS WERE HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING/EXPERIENCE, EXISTING WEATHER, AND DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

A non-instrument rated pilot on a dark night cross-country flight inadvertently encountered instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the aircraft colliding with the ground on a heading opposite the intended direction.

Flight Details

A cross-country flight was conducted during dark night conditions. The pilot, who was not instrument rated, was in cruise flight when the incident occurred.

Accident Sequence

While in cruise flight, the pilot inadvertently encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft subsequently collided with the ground on a heading opposite to the intended direction of travel.

Weather Conditions

At the destination airport, located 28 miles south of the accident site, visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time. However, local residents reported reduced visibility with rain and snow showers in the vicinity of the accident location.

Investigation

The circumstances of the accident, including the pilot's lack of instrument rating and the sudden encounter with IMC, are under investigation. Further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, and any injuries have not been disclosed in the preliminary report.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1993 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Elbert, CO?

A non-instrument rated pilot on a dark night cross-country flight inadvertently encountered instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the aircraft colliding with the ground on a heading opposite the intended direction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N38481, at Elbert, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC. FACTORS WERE HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING/EXPERIENCE, EXISTING WEATHER, AND DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.