On March 20, 2001, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8769N) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwater, WA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and passenger on a sightseeing flight failed to arrive at their destination; the wreckage was found the next day on the south slope of Mount Rainier. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire, and both occupants were fatally injured.
Overview
A private pilot and a co-worker were conducting a local sightseeing flight in the area of Mount Rainier National Park. After failing to arrive at the intended destination, family members contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), prompting a search for the missing aircraft.
Search and Wreckage Discovery
The following day, the aircraft wreckage was located in a heavily wooded area on the south slope of Mount Rainier. The aircraft had collided with mountainous terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent fire. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure.
What happened in the 20 Mar 2001 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Greenwater, WA?
A private pilot and passenger on a sightseeing flight failed to arrive at their destination; the wreckage was found the next day on the south slope of Mount Rainier. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire, and both occupants were fatally injured.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 2001 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Mar 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8769N, at Greenwater, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…