On June 14, 1996, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N2189P) was involved in an aviation accident near Cortland, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in the airplane striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot departed in fog with 100-foot visibility. During climb, airplane turned left, struck trees, separated wings, and caught fire. No mechanical malfunction found.
Accident Details
The pilot departed an airport in weather described by witnesses as about 100 feet visibility due to fog. During the takeoff climb, the airplane turned left prior to the end of the runway. While in a 30-degree left bank, it struck trees north of the airport. Both wings separated from the fuselage, and there was a postcrash fire. The left propeller was sheared from the engine by torsional twisting. The right propeller blades exhibited 'S' curves damage. Witnesses reported that the engines sounded smooth. Examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Departure Procedure
The published departure procedure requires a climb on runway heading until reaching 2600 feet.
Pilot Background
The pilot was changing residence and was required to vacate her current dwelling on the day of the accident. According to the previous owner, the instrument panel was arranged in a non-T layout. The pilot had received her multi-engine instrument rating in an airplane with a T arrangement on the instrument panel 10 months prior to the accident. The pilot's recent instrument flight experience was not determined.
What happened in the 14 Jun 1996 Piper PA-23-150 accident near Cortland, NY?
A pilot departed in fog with 100-foot visibility. During climb, airplane turned left, struck trees, separated wings, and caught fire. No mechanical malfunction found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N2189P, at Cortland, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in the airplane striking trees. Contributing factors were the pilot's spatial disorientation, dark night conditions, fog, and the pilot's self induced pressure to reach the destination.
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