VFR Aircraft Collision with Mountainous Terrain

Casualties unknown • Antimony, UT, US

A private pilot flying under visual flight rules collided with mountainous terrain during a flight involving adverse weather conditions.

What happened

A non-instrument rated private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when the aircraft collided with mountainous terrain at 8,540 feet. At the time of the accident, a snow advisory and an AIRMET for low ceilings and snow were in effect along the route of flight.

Radar data tracked a VFR target in the vicinity of the accident location. The aircraft was observed descending from 14,900 feet MSL to 9,800 feet. Following this descent, the target reversed course and subsequently squawked 7700, indicating an emergency, before disappearing from radar. There were no known radio communications with the pilot during the event.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed that it impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan, combined with flying into areas with active snow advisories and AIRMETs for low ceilings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-12-08 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Antimony, UT?

A private pilot flying under visual flight rules collided with mountainous terrain during a flight involving adverse weather conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-12-08 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N8245P, at Antimony, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan, combined with flying into areas with active snow advisories and AIRMETs for low ceilings.

Loading the flight search…