On April 26, 1996, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N2194Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper inflight planning/decision to continue the flight instead of returning to the takeoff airport after encountering adverse weather. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A noninstrument-rated private pilot conducted a precautionary landing in a field after encountering unforecast low ceilings during a cross-country flight. The airplane struck a ditch during the landing roll.
Incident Overview
A noninstrument-rated private pilot performed a precautionary landing in a field after encountering unforecast low ceilings while on a cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the preflight weather briefing indicated no precautions or advisories for the planned route.
Sequence of Events
After approximately 15 minutes of cruise flight, the pilot realized he was above an overcast cloud layer. He executed a u-turn and descended, finding the ceiling to be about 700 feet above ground level. The pilot then elected to divert to the nearest airport but was unable to locate it. He subsequently landed in a pasture, and during the landing roll, the airplane collided with a ditch.
Key Details
The pilot was not instrument-rated. The weather briefing had not forecast low ceilings. The pilot's actions included a precautionary landing in a field after failing to find the intended airport. The collision with a ditch occurred during the landing roll.