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Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Crashes During Night IMC Departure (N1696H)

West Bend, WI, US

On August 10, 2007, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1696H) was involved in an aviation accident near West Bend, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to depart in adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. 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

A private pilot with no instrument rating and limited night experience crashed shortly after departure in night instrument meteorological conditions, impacting a cornfield near the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Accident Overview

The airplane was destroyed when it impacted terrain during night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) approximately one-quarter mile north of the departure airport. No witnesses observed the departure or the crash itself. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) first detected the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal via satellite at 0510.

Pilot and Flight Experience

The private pilot was not instrument rated. His logbook showed 0.8 hours of night flight experience recorded 11 months prior to the accident, with no subsequent night flights logged.

Weather Conditions

At 0505, the surface weather observation at the departure airport reported winds from 300 degrees at 3 knots, visibility of 2 statute miles, and an overcast ceiling at 200 feet.

Accident Scene and Aircraft Examination

Examination of the accident site indicated the airplane impacted a cornfield in a nose-low, right-wing-down attitude. Post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies or mechanical malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Aug 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident near West Bend, WI?

A private pilot with no instrument rating and limited night experience crashed shortly after departure in night instrument meteorological conditions, impacting a cornfield near the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Aug 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1696H, at West Bend, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to depart in adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Contributing to the accident included the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, his lack of recent night experience, the night conditions and fog.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070821X01219. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.