What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-03-26 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N999SK, at West Lafayette, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument conditions and his not maintaining control of the complex airplane during initial climb. Factors in the accident were the low ceiling, the early dawn condition, and the pilots intentional unauthorized use of the airplane.

Complex Airplane Destroyed in Terrain Impact During Initial Climbout (N999SK)

On March 26, 2005, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N999SK) was involved in an aviation accident near West Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument conditions and his not maintaining control of the complex airplane during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A complex airplane piloted by a non-instrument rated private pilot was destroyed after impacting trees and terrain during initial climbout. Toxicology detected ethanol; the pilot had reportedly been drinking before the unauthorized flight.

Accident Overview

A complex airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain during initial climbout. The pilot, a non-instrument rated private pilot, was operating the aircraft. The pilot's logbook did not contain an endorsement for complex and high performance airplanes.

Sequence of Events

A witness reported seeing a low-wing aircraft departing Runway 10. Weather conditions were wind 090 at 9 knots, visibility 5 miles with mist, and a ceiling of 600 feet overcast. The witness stated that nothing seemed out of the ordinary and they did not hear or see the aircraft after departure. Another pilot, who was communicating with Chicago Center, was advised of a reported plane crash and asked to look for it, but saw nothing before entering clouds.

Police received a call about a low-flying airplane and subsequently found the aircraft impacted in terrain in a wooded area approximately 1.5 miles north of the airport. An on-scene investigation revealed no preimpact anomalies with the airframe or engine.

The airplane was flown without prior arrangements with the management of the fixed-base operator (FBO). The pilot was a prior employee and knew where the airplane keys were stored. The employee on duty was unaware of the pilot's actions and that he was on the FBO's no-fly list. Following the accident, the FBO implemented additional procedures to secure the keys.

Toxicology Report

The Final Forensic Toxicology Accident Report on the pilot indicated the presence of ethanol: 132 mg/dL in blood, 110 mg/dL in brain, and 196 mg/dL in heart. The CAMI report noted that putrefaction had occurred. A witness reported that the pilot stated he was "getting a little tipsy," left a tavern at approximately 0336 hours, and then went to a restaurant.

Regulatory Context

FAA regulation Part 91.17 prohibits acting as a crewmember within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a blood alcohol content of .04% or more. Additionally, Part 61.57 requires recent flight experience—three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days—to act as pilot in command carrying passengers or in an aircraft requiring more than one pilot.

Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight and the pilot's compliance with applicable regulations.

2005-03-26: Piper PA-28R-200 (N999SK) — West Lafayette, IN