On November 2, 1997, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N79TH) was involved in an aviation accident near Lynn, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in the inflight separation of the wings, vertical stabilizer/rudder, and the stabilator. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane departed at 1534 after a weather briefing that included an AIRMET for icing. Last ATC contact was at 1639 at 11,000 ft. The airplane dropped off radar one minute later. A center weather advisory warned of moderate isolated severe mixed/rime icing between 4,000 and 13,000 ft. Wreckage inspection revealed an inflight breakup with no pre-accident failures.
Flight History
The pilot received a weather briefing during which he was informed of an AIRMET for icing conditions. The airplane departed at 1534. Last ATC contact with the airplane was at 1639 when the pilot acknowledged a frequency change while at an altitude of 11,000 ft mean sea level. The airplane dropped off radar about one minute later.
Weather Conditions
A center weather advisory was in effect, advising of moderate isolated severe mixed/rime icing in clouds between 4,000 and 13,000 ft.
Wreckage Examination
Inspection of the wreckage indicated that the airplane experienced an inflight breakup. No evidence was found to indicate any pre-accident failures or malfunctions of the airplane and/or engines existed.
What happened in the 2 Nov 1997 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Lynn, IN?
An airplane departed at 1534 after a weather briefing that included an AIRMET for icing. Last ATC contact was at 1639 at 11,000 ft. The airplane dropped off radar one minute later. A center weather advisory warned of moderate isolated severe mixed/rime icing between 4,000 and 13,000 ft. Wreckage inspection revealed…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Nov 1997 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N79TH, at Lynn, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in the inflight separation of the wings, vertical stabilizer/rudder, and the stabilator. Factors associated with the accident the pilot continued the flight into known adverse weather and the icing conditions which existed.
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