1996-07-16: Piper PA-22-135 — Georgetown, SC

Casualties unknown • Georgetown, SC, US

Probable cause

failure of the pilot to see-and-avoid an obstruction on the ground (inadequate visual lookout) during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a collapsed nose gear and subsequent nose over. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot becaming lost/disoriented.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that he became disoriented, while circumnavigating weather with a low ceiling. He then made a precautionary landing in an open field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a 5 gallon water pump tank, collapsing the nose wheel. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-16 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Georgetown, SC?

The pilot stated that he became disoriented, while circumnavigating weather with a low ceiling. He then made a precautionary landing in an open field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a 5 gallon water pump tank, collapsing the nose wheel. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-16 involved a Piper PA-22-135, registration N1544P, at Georgetown, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to see-and-avoid an obstruction on the ground (inadequate visual lookout) during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a collapsed nose gear and subsequent nose over. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot becaming lost/disoriented.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06320. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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