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Casualties unknown

Airplane Crashes into Water After Sharp Turn in Foggy Conditions (N3896T)

Penobscot, ME, US

On July 3, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N3896T) operated by Bob Hart was involved in an aviation accident near Penobscot, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A sightseeing flight ended with an airplane sinking in about 70 feet of water after a witness observed a sharp right turn and descent. Search efforts located some parts, but the main wreckage was not recovered. Fog and low ceiling were reported in the area.

Accident Overview

A pilot and passengers were returning home from a sightseeing flight when a witness observed the airplane in a sharp right turn before it descended, impacted, and sank in about 70 feet of water. The main wreckage was not recovered.

Investigation Details

Search efforts located some airplane parts, including the right main landing gear, an airplane seat with the N number written on the back, and pieces of insulation. The pilot had obtained an abbreviated weather briefing earlier in the day and said that the weather 'looked fine'. He was not instrument rated, and according to the airport manager, had very little instrument experience.

Weather Conditions

Witnesses reported fog in the area at the time of the accident. According to the closest weather observation station, the reported ceiling was 900 feet overcast.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 1997 Piper PA-28R-180 accident near Penobscot, ME?

A sightseeing flight ended with an airplane sinking in about 70 feet of water after a witness observed a sharp right turn and descent. Search efforts located some parts, but the main wreckage was not recovered. Fog and low ceiling were reported in the area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 1997 involved a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N3896T, operated by Bob Hart, at Penobscot, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08401. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.