On August 2, 1994, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration N4887Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Crown Point, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent entry into clouds while maneuvering in deteriorating weather, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot encountered deteriorating weather during a positioning flight, inadvertently entered clouds while maneuvering, and struck trees before regaining visual conditions.
What happened
The pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, obtained a weather briefing through a National Weather Service radio broadcast prior to departure. He then commenced a positioning flight. During the en route portion of the journey, he encountered deteriorating weather conditions. While attempting to maneuver back toward his departure point, he inadvertently entered a cloud layer. The aircraft struck trees before the pilot was able to regain visual meteorological conditions.
Findings
non-instrument rated pilot
weather briefing via radio broadcast
deteriorating weather conditions
inadvertent entry into clouds
tree strike during maneuvering
regained visual meteorological conditions
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent entry into clouds while maneuvering in deteriorating weather, which resulted in a collision with trees.