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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Trees and Terrain During Instrument Takeoff (N98094)

Sparta, MI, US

On October 25, 2000, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N98094) was involved in an aviation accident near Sparta, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment on departure and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. 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

An airplane struck trees and terrain about 300 feet left of the extended runway centerline during an instrument takeoff. The pilot had filed an IFR flight plan but did not obtain a departure clearance.

Accident Details

The airplane struck trees and terrain approximately 300 feet left of the extended runway centerline and about 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. The event occurred during an instrument takeoff.

Weather Conditions

Weather recorded at an airport located 16 miles from the accident site included 1/4 statute mile visibility with fog and a vertical visibility of 100 feet. A witness reported that visibility at the accident airport was less than 1/8 mile approximately 40 minutes after the accident.

Pilot Information

The pilot had accumulated a total of about 53 hours of instrument time, with 9 of those hours in actual instrument conditions. Prior to the flight, the pilot received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan. However, the pilot did not obtain a departure clearance for the flight.

Aircraft Examination

A postaccident examination of the airframe, engine, and instruments revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a preexisting condition.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 2000 Piper PA28-140 accident near Sparta, MI?

An airplane struck trees and terrain about 300 feet left of the extended runway centerline during an instrument takeoff. The pilot had filed an IFR flight plan but did not obtain a departure clearance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 2000 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N98094, at Sparta, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment on departure and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. The pilot's attempted flight into known adverse weather, his lack of instrument experience, the fog, and the trees were contributing factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22113. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.