On November 24, 1993, a Piper PA-28RT-201 (registration N8467H) operated by Wright Patterson Afb Aero CL was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenna, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN THE ATTITUDE INDICATOR AND BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LOW CEILING, NIGHT CONDITIONS, AND AN INACCURATE ATTITUDE INDICATOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night takeoff climb in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot became spatially disoriented. The aircraft struck trees and a paint hangar. The pilot had been aware of an attitude indicator inaccuracy before departure. Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies.
Accident Details
During the initial climb after takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions at night, the pilot lost spatial orientation. The flight was conducted under an IFR flight plan for a cross-country personal trip. Prior to the accident flight and during the preceding flight, the pilot had been informed of an inaccuracy in the attitude indicator installed in the accident aircraft.
Witness Observations
A witness heard the engine operating at high RPM, followed by a reduction to low RPM, repeating this pattern several times over the airport area. The witness then observed the aircraft emerging from the cloud base and banking into a 60-degree left turn. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and a paint hangar before coming to rest on the ground. Witness reports indicated that the cloud base ranged between 200 and 700 feet above ground level around the time of the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine after the accident did not reveal any mechanical anomalies or malfunctions.
What happened in the 24 Nov 1993 Piper PA-28RT-201 accident near Ravenna, OH?
During a night takeoff climb in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot became spatially disoriented. The aircraft struck trees and a paint hangar. The pilot had been aware of an attitude indicator inaccuracy before departure. Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Nov 1993 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201, registration N8467H, operated by Wright Patterson Afb Aero CL, at Ravenna, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN THE ATTITUDE INDICATOR AND BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LOW CEILING, NIGHT CONDITIONS, AND AN INACCURATE ATTITUDE INDICATOR.
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