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Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Impacts Terrain During Night Cross-Country Flight (N98143)

Texarkana, AR, US

On October 18, 1993, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N98143) was involved in an aviation accident near Texarkana, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING, THE EXISTING WEATHER, HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLYING EXPERIENCE, 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

A non-instrument rated pilot on a night cross-country flight impacted trees and terrain approximately 127 miles from departure. Convective SIGMETs and AIRMETs were in effect, and weather at the site included low ceilings and fog.

Accident Overview

A non-instrument rated pilot conducted a night cross-country flight of approximately 306 miles. No record exists that the pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to departure. About 127 miles from the point of departure, the airplane impacted trees and terrain.

Weather Conditions

Convective SIGMETs and AIRMETs were in effect for the route of flight. At the accident site, weather was reported as 200-300 feet overcast with visibility less than 3 miles in fog.

Flight Track Data

Recorded radar data shows the average altitude of the flight was 1,500 feet MSL. On the last radar contact, the airplane was at an altitude of 800 feet. The elevation of the accident site was 400 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Oct 1993 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Texarkana, AR?

A non-instrument rated pilot on a night cross-country flight impacted trees and terrain approximately 127 miles from departure. Convective SIGMETs and AIRMETs were in effect, and weather at the site included low ceilings and fog.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Oct 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N98143, at Texarkana, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING, THE EXISTING WEATHER, HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLYING EXPERIENCE, AND THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.