On September 5, 1993, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5339F) operated by Terry Robert Moon was involved in an aviation accident near Laurinburg, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED, AND INADVERTENTLY EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated private pilot encountered thunderstorms during cruise flight, resulting in an in-flight break-up. Wreckage was scattered over a 1000 by 300 foot area. No record of a preflight weather briefing was found.
Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated private pilot encountered an area of thunderstorms during cruise flight. Examination of the crash site revealed evidence of an in-flight break-up, with wreckage scattered over a 1000 by 300 foot area. Large pieces of the airplane, including the left wing, were found more than 150 feet to the side of the main wreckage path.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported that at the time of the accident, there was heavy rain, lightning, and reduced visibility in the area.
Pilot and Flight Information
No record was found of the pilot receiving a weather briefing before the flight. The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Sept 1993 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Laurinburg, NC?
A non-instrument rated private pilot encountered thunderstorms during cruise flight, resulting in an in-flight break-up. Wreckage was scattered over a 1000 by 300 foot area. No record of a preflight weather briefing was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 1993 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5339F, operated by Terry Robert Moon, at Laurinburg, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED, AND INADVERTENTLY EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO…
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