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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Encounters IMC, Collides with Tree and House (N707JS)

Butler, PA, US

On November 28, 1993, a Piper PA32R-301 (registration N707JS) operated by Armstrong Telephone Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Butler, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE A FACTOR. 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 private pilot with two hours of actual instrument time departed VFR, encountered IMC, received vectors for an ILS approach, but struck a tree and house, which was consumed by fire.

Circumstances

A private pilot, who logged two hours of actual instrument time, departed under visual flight rules (VFR). Upon returning to the destination, the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Witness Observations

Multiple witnesses reported hearing the airplane overfly their homes at a low altitude. Some witnesses stated that heavy snow was falling, and they could not see the airplane due to low visibility.

Radar and Communication

The pilot contacted Pittsburgh Approach Control and was receiving vectors for the instrument landing system (ILS) runway 8 approach. Radar contact was subsequently lost. Radar data from the Air Route Traffic Control Center indicated that the airplane made several circles.

Collision and Aftermath

The airplane struck a 50-foot-tall tree before colliding with a residential house. The airplane was consumed by fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Nov 1993 Piper PA32R-301 accident near Butler, PA?

A private pilot with two hours of actual instrument time departed VFR, encountered IMC, received vectors for an ILS approach, but struck a tree and house, which was consumed by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Nov 1993 involved a Piper PA32R-301, registration N707JS, operated by Armstrong Telephone Co., at Butler, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE A FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13695. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.