Incident Overview
Two light aircraft, a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA-28 (designated as a Piper 180), departed from Statesville, North Carolina, on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight to Athens, Tennessee. Night fell during the flight, prompting the pilot of the Cessna to notice his aircraft was running low on fuel. He decided to divert to Murphy, North Carolina, to purchase fuel.
Communications Before Separation
The Cessna pilot contacted the pilot of the Piper to advise her of his intentions. According to his statement, she indicated that she had ample fuel and planned to continue to the intended destination of Athens. The Cessna pilot subsequently landed safely in Murphy and reported no further communication with the Piper pilot.
Circumstances of the Accident
The Cessna pilot later described the night as dark and noted that the mountainous terrain in the area was difficult to discern. The Piper PA-28 impacted the terrain approximately 200 feet below the top of a ridge line. The path of the aircraft through the treetops suggested that it was flying straight and level at the time of impact.
Investigation Findings
No probable cause was assigned in the original source. The investigation did not specify the registration, engine count, date, occupants, injuries, or weather conditions beyond the pilot's description of darkness. No ATC involvement was mentioned.