On April 4, 2004, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N4130D) was involved in an aviation accident near Ukiah, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-instrument rated pilot's flight intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a subsequent loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot without instrument rating attempted VFR departure from an airport with 100-foot overcast, according to witnesses who heard a constant engine sound followed by a crash. Investigators found no mechanical malfunctions.
Departure in Instrument Conditions
A non-instrument rated private pilot attempted to depart an airport while instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. According to the investigation, prior to departure the pilot spoke with another pilot who was airborne in the area and confirmed the airport's reported conditions: an overcast layer at 100 feet above ground level. The accident pilot indicated to the other pilot that he intended to depart under visual flight rules (VFR).
Witness Observations
Several witnesses reported observing the airplane depart to the south. The airplane then turned toward the west at low level and subsequently turned back to the east. Witnesses noted that the engine sound remained constant, continuing until they heard a loud crash. The airplane contacted vegetation just before colliding with the ground, and the debris path continued along a southerly heading.
Wreckage and Investigation
Investigators examined the extensively crushed and fragmented wreckage. They identified no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The pilot had logged approximately 7 hours of simulated instrument time.
What happened in the 4 Apr 2004 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Ukiah, CA?
A private pilot without instrument rating attempted VFR departure from an airport with 100-foot overcast, according to witnesses who heard a constant engine sound followed by a crash. Investigators found no mechanical malfunctions.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Apr 2004 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N4130D, at Ukiah, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The non-instrument rated pilot's flight intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a subsequent loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of an instrument…
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…