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Casualties unknown

Airplane Descents and Disappears from Radar, Wreckage Found Scattered (N2BX)

Apex, NC, US

On March 31, 2002, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N2BX) was involved in an aviation accident near Apex, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot experienced spatial disorientation that resulted in the loss of control and the overload failure of the airframe. A factor was low visibility and ceilings. 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

During an ILS approach, the airplane exhibited erratic movement, descended, and disappeared from radar. A witness saw it fall in pieces. Wreckage was scattered over 3/4 mile. No mechanical malfunction found.

Flight Sequence

Upon arriving at the destination airport, the pilot was issued radar vectors to a final approach course for the ILS runway 5R approach. While on the final approach course, the controller issued course correction information to the pilot. Despite these corrections, the erratic movement of the airplane continued until the airplane descended and disappeared from radar coverage.

Witness Account

A witness near the accident site observed the airplane as it fell from the sky in several pieces.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the accident site disclosed that the airplane wreckage was scattered over an area three-quarters of a mile long. The wreckage examination also failed to disclose a mechanical or system malfunction or component failure.

Weather Conditions

A review of the weather data showed low clouds with a 5500-foot overcast condition at the time of the accident.

Loss of control in flightSpatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 2002 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Apex, NC?

During an ILS approach, the airplane exhibited erratic movement, descended, and disappeared from radar. A witness saw it fall in pieces. Wreckage was scattered over 3/4 mile. No mechanical malfunction found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 2002 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N2BX, at Apex, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot experienced spatial disorientation that resulted in the loss of control and the overload failure of the airframe. A factor was low visibility and ceilings.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020405X00469. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.