On June 27, 1995, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N15124) was involved in an aviation accident near Cohocton, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a turn which led to an inadvertent stall/spin. Related factors were the low ceiling, and the non-instrument rated pilot's flight into known adverse weather. 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.
Witnesses saw an airplane at 1,000-1,500 ft, then a right turn, spin, and descent. Pilot had non-instrument rating but was briefed on IFR conditions and mountain obscuration. Postaccident exam found no anomalies.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering at an estimated altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the ground. They reported that the airplane began a right turn, then entered a spin and descended into terrain. The witnesses stated that the ceiling was low and that moments after the accident it began to '...pour down rain.'
Preflight Planning
Prior to the flight, the non-instrument rated private pilot received a complete weather briefing from a flight service station. During the briefing the pilot was told '...whole route for IFR conditions and mountain obscuration just about the second 2/3's of your route.'
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Jun 1995 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Cohocton, NY?
Witnesses saw an airplane at 1,000-1,500 ft, then a right turn, spin, and descent. Pilot had non-instrument rating but was briefed on IFR conditions and mountain obscuration. Postaccident exam found no anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jun 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N15124, at Cohocton, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a turn which led to an inadvertent stall/spin. Related factors were the low ceiling, and the non-instrument rated pilot's flight into known adverse weather.