Casualties unknown

2006-08-18: Piper PA-32RT-300 (N31911) — Hartsville, SC

Hartsville, SC, US

On August 18, 2006, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N31911) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartsville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot executing a GPS approach to Darlington Jetport reported a missed approach, descended, and was lost off radar before colliding with trees. No mechanical issues were found.

Approach and Descent

The pilot of a single-engine aircraft contacted the Florence Regional Airport (FLO) control tower personnel, requesting current weather conditions and radar vectors for the GPS runway 5 approach to Darlington Jetport Airport (UDG). The tower cleared the pilot for the approach and established him on the 050 radial inbound. Approximately 6 miles from UDG, the tower cleared the pilot to land, terminated radar service, and instructed a frequency change to UDG UNICOM.

Missed Approach and Accident

About 4 miles from the airport, inside the final approach fix (UMAGE), the pilot reported a missed approach, executed a left turn, and began a descent to 1,400 feet. Tower personnel then contacted the pilot and asked if he had the airport in sight; the pilot responded "negative." The airplane continued descending until it was lost off radar.

Collision and Examination

The airplane collided with trees and was located by emergency response personnel off a small private road in a field. Examination of the airframe, instruments, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060901X01273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.