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2 fatalities

Private Pilots Crash in Low Visibility Conditions (N5581F)

Marshfield, MO, US

On April 22, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5581F) was involved in an aviation accident near Marshfield, MO. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS. 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

Two private pilots without instrument ratings crashed into wooded terrain shortly after departing before sunrise. Witnesses reported low ceilings and fog; nearby weather observation showed 300 ft overcast and 3 miles visibility in fog.

Accident Overview

Two private pilots, neither holding an instrument rating, departed on a cross-country flight one hour before sunrise. The aircraft crashed approximately 12 miles south of the departure point into a heavily wooded area.

Weather Conditions

Witnesses who were preparing to go hunting near the crash site reported low ceilings and fog. A weather observation taken ten minutes after the accident at a station 23 miles from the site recorded a ceiling measured at 300 feet overcast with visibility of 3 miles in fog. There was no record of a preflight weather briefing having been obtained by the pilots.

Investigation Details

Investigators have not released an official probable cause for the accident. The aircraft type, registration, and other specifics have not been disclosed. The pilots' qualifications and the prevailing weather conditions are under examination.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Apr 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Marshfield, MO?

Two private pilots without instrument ratings crashed into wooded terrain shortly after departing before sunrise. Witnesses reported low ceilings and fog; nearby weather observation showed 300 ft overcast and 3 miles visibility in fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Apr 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Apr 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5581F, at Marshfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01068. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.