On March 9, 2002, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N160D) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurens, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with terrain. Factors were low clouds and dark-night. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While maneuvering for a night instrument approach, an airplane collided with terrain in an area of dense fog. Radar contact was lost, and wreckage was found in a wooded area.
Accident Details
According to the investigation, the accident occurred while the airplane was maneuvering for a night instrument approach. A witness reported hearing the sound of an airplane circling his home, followed several minutes later by a loud thud. At approximately the same time, air traffic control (Atlanta Center) reported a loss of radar contact with the aircraft. The downed airplane was located several hours later following a ground search.
Environmental Conditions
Witnesses in the area at the time of the accident reported dense fog. The Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular #60-4A notes that during periods of low visibility a pilot is particularly vulnerable to disorientation.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that wreckage debris was scattered in a heavily wooded area over an area 110 feet long and 30 feet wide. The engine and propeller assemblies were buried approximately four feet into the ground in a nose-down attitude.
What happened in the 9 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28-160 accident near Laurens, SC?
While maneuvering for a night instrument approach, an airplane collided with terrain in an area of dense fog. Radar contact was lost, and wreckage was found in a wooded area.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Mar 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N160D, at Laurens, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with terrain. Factors were low clouds and dark-night.
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