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Casualties unknown

Night VFR Accident in Sparsely Populated Area (N4388P)

Orting, WA, US

On December 7, 2007, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N4388P) was involved in an aviation accident near Orting, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the dark night. 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

An instrument-rated commercial pilot on a night VFR flight crashed 8.8 miles from the destination. The aircraft impacted terrain at high speed with a right bank and was consumed by postimpact fire. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were found.

Accident Overview

An instrument-rated commercial pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) night flight over a sparsely populated area. The accident site was located approximately 8.8 miles from the destination airport.

Wreckage and Impact

The wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with a right bank, high-speed impact with trees and terrain. The airplane was mostly consumed by a postimpact fire.

Mechanical Examination

Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions at the time of the accident included cloud coverage in the area, with ceilings broken at 1,800 feet above ground level and overcast at 3,900 feet above ground level.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 2007 Piper PA-28-236 accident near Orting, WA?

An instrument-rated commercial pilot on a night VFR flight crashed 8.8 miles from the destination. The aircraft impacted terrain at high speed with a right bank and was consumed by postimpact fire. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-236, registration N4388P, at Orting, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the dark night.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071219X01977. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.