Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Fog Obscuring Runway Lights Before Collision with Terrain (N8447T)

Valparaiso, IN, US

On June 3, 1995, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8447T) was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EXECUTION OF THE ILS APPROACH. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT TIME IN ACTUAL INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported making a missed approach due to fog on the first ILS attempt to runway 27, then colliding with terrain on the second approach, with his last memory of seeing lights at the outer marker.

Incident Summary

A pilot flying an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 27 reported that fog prevented him from seeing any runway lights on his first attempt, leading to a missed approach. During a subsequent ILS approach, the airplane struck the ground. The pilot's last recollection is of beginning to see lights upon reaching the outer marker during the second approach.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated explicitly that fog was the reason he could not see the runway lights on the first approach. As a result, he executed a missed approach. On the second approach, the airplane collided with terrain. The pilot does not remember anything after seeing lights at the outer marker.

Airport Environment

The airport is situated near a well-lit power plant station. The source mentions this location detail but does not elaborate on its relevance to the event.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported having 10 hours of actual instrument flight time. This information is taken directly from the pilot's statement.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jun 1995 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Valparaiso, IN?

A pilot reported making a missed approach due to fog on the first ILS attempt to runway 27, then colliding with terrain on the second approach, with his last memory of seeing lights at the outer marker.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jun 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8447T, at Valparaiso, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EXECUTION OF THE ILS APPROACH. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT TIME IN ACTUAL INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03652. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.