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Casualties unknown

1994-03-04: Piper PA-31-350 (N78DE) — Ameriflight, Inc. — Frazier Park, CA

Frazier Park, CA, US

On March 4, 1994, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N78DE) operated by Ameriflight, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Frazier Park, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to select a cruise altitude which would ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors related to the dark, nighttime condition and to the pilot's lack of attentiveness. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who declined to use a stored instrument flight plan departed under special VFR and later, after reaching visual conditions, climbed into 8,500-foot terrain while tracking northwest at 160 knots. The accident occurred in dark nighttime conditions.

Accident Overview

The pilot of a single-engine airplane elected not to use the stored instrument flight plan and departed with a special VFR clearance. The flight was monitored by radar. After reaching visual flight conditions, the pilot proceeded toward the intended destination and climbed to 8,500 feet.

Flight Path and Terrain Impact

Radar data showed the airplane's track remained almost constant at 300 degrees with a ground speed of 160 knots. The last radar hit on the airplane occurred about 0.3 miles from the point where the airplane cruised into 8,500-foot MSL terrain while still tracking along a northwesterly course. The accident occurred in dark, nighttime conditions.

Available Services

Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) service was available but was not requested by the pilot.

Damage and Injuries

The source does not specify injuries or damage.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00915. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.