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Casualties unknown

Night VFR Flight Ends in Terrain Collision (N8990W)

Wellington, IL, US

On November 20, 2006, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8990W) was involved in an aviation accident near Wellington, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot while attempting to visually locate traffic during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain at night under visual meteorological conditions. Radar data showed the aircraft entered descending turns before the final data point at 4,000 feet MSL.

Incident Overview and ATC Communications The aircraft was destroyed when it collided with terrain during a night flight conducted under visual meteorological conditions. After takeoff, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) and requested visual flight rules (VFR) flight following. Radar data indicated the aircraft climbed to 5,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) and proceeded on course toward its intended destination. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, ATC advised the pilot of traffic in the vicinity. The other aircraft was reported to be about 3 miles ahead, traveling northeast at 5,000 feet MSL. The pilot stated that the traffic was not in sight. About two minutes later, ATC informed the pilot that the traffic was approximately 1.5 miles off the right wing and instructed the pilot to contact another ATC facility. The pilot did not respond to either transmission.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 2006 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Wellington, IL?

An airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain at night under visual meteorological conditions. Radar data showed the aircraft entered descending turns before the final data point at 4,000 feet MSL.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8990W, at Wellington, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot while attempting to visually locate traffic during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were the inadvertent overload failure of the wing spar and stabilator, and the night lighting conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061127X01714. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.