On July 16, 1996, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N1544P) was involved in an aviation accident near Georgetown, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's disorientation while flying in low ceiling weather conditions, which led to a precautionary landing that resulted in a collision with a water pump tank and subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost orientation while navigating around low-ceiling weather conditions, resulting in a precautionary landing in an open field that ended with the aircraft colliding with a water pump tank and coming to rest on its back.
What happened
The pilot reported becoming disoriented while maneuvering the aircraft to circumnavigate adverse weather characterized by a low ceiling. Seeking a safe place to land, he executed a precautionary landing in an open field. During the rollout of the landing, the airplane's nose gear struck a five-gallon water pump tank situated in the field. This impact caused the collapse of the nose wheel assembly. Following the collision, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The physical examination of the wreckage confirmed that the nose landing gear had collapsed due to the impact with the stationary water pump tank. The final resting position of the airplane was upside down, consistent with the pilot's account of a nose-over event following the ground contact.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's loss of orientation during flight operations in instrument meteorological conditions. The decision to land in an unprepared field containing obstacles contributed to the severity of the damage.
Probable cause
The pilot's disorientation while flying in low ceiling weather conditions, which led to a precautionary landing that resulted in a collision with a water pump tank and subsequent nose-over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Jul 1996 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Georgetown, SC?
A pilot lost orientation while navigating around low-ceiling weather conditions, resulting in a precautionary landing in an open field that ended with the aircraft colliding with a water pump tank and coming to rest on its back.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jul 1996 Piper PA-22-135 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jul 1996 involved a Piper PA-22-135, registration N1544P, at Georgetown, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's disorientation while flying in low ceiling weather conditions, which led to a precautionary landing that resulted in a collision with a water pump tank and subsequent nose-over.
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