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Noninstrument-Rated Pilot Impacts Terrain After Night Departure in Instrument Conditions (N5246T)

Niles, MI, US

On March 8, 2002, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5246T) operated by Harry V. Cockrell was involved in an aviation accident near Niles, MI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Flight into known adverse weather conditions by the pilot and the spatial disorientation of pilot. Contributing factors were the lack of certification by the pilot and the weather conditions. 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 noninstrument-rated private pilot took off at night in instrument meteorological conditions and impacted snow-covered wooded terrain about five minutes later. The pilot had just been flown to the airport by an instrument-rated pilot.

Overview

A private pilot who was not rated for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations took off at night from an airport and impacted a snow-covered wooded area approximately five minutes after departure. At the time of the accident, night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed.

Sequence of Events

Prior to the accident flight, the airplane and the accident pilot were flown to the departure airport by an instrument-rated pilot operating under an IFR clearance in IMC. After landing, the instrument-rated pilot exited the airplane. The accident pilot then boarded and took off. The instrument-rated pilot subsequently departed from the same airport in another airplane approximately 10 minutes later.

Wreckage Examination

A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies with the airplane or its systems.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Niles, MI?

A noninstrument-rated private pilot took off at night in instrument meteorological conditions and impacted snow-covered wooded terrain about five minutes later. The pilot had just been flown to the airport by an instrument-rated pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5246T, operated by Harry V. Cockrell, at Niles, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Flight into known adverse weather conditions by the pilot and the spatial disorientation of pilot. Contributing factors were the lack of certification by the pilot and the weather conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020924X05206. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.