On October 10, 2009, a PIPER PA28 151 was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported encountering low clouds and fog during cruise at 2,500 feet, lost visual ground contact, and after initiating a climbing left turn, struck rising terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Details
The pilot stated he was in cruise flight at an altitude of 2,500 feet when he encountered low clouds and fog. He lost visual contact with the ground and initiated a climbing left turn. Seconds later, he impacted rising terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Weather Information
Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from a flight service station. The briefing forecasted overcast ceilings at 3,000 feet and 10 miles visibility near the route of flight, with conditions expected to improve throughout the day. The pilot reported that the actual weather at the time of the accident was approximately 5 miles visibility with an overcast ceiling at 3,000 feet.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Oct 2009 PIPER PA28 151 accident near Lebanon, VA?
A pilot reported encountering low clouds and fog during cruise at 2,500 feet, lost visual ground contact, and after initiating a climbing left turn, struck rising terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Oct 2009 PIPER PA28 151 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Oct 2009 involved a PIPER PA28 151, at Lebanon, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.