History of Flight
On November 21, 2012, at about 1820 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N40781, impacted trees and terrain while conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) straight-in approach to Hillsdale Municipal Airport (JYM) in Hillsdale, Michigan. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight had originated at approximately 1700 from Lebanon-Warren County Airport in Lebanon, Ohio.
According to a family member, the pilot had planned a cross-country flight to Hillsdale and then lunch at a restaurant near the departure airport. After lunch, the family member assisted with preflight preparations before the pilot departed for the return trip. The family member reported the takeoff and departure were normal. The pilot's wife had expressed concern about him returning before dark, knowing he disliked flying or driving at night. Departure from Lebanon-Warren County Airport occurred near sunset.
Minutes before the accident, about 18 miles from the airport, the pilot contacted Hillsdale on the UNICOM frequency and requested illumination of runway 28 lights. The airport manager, monitoring UNICOM, activated the lights. The manager reported the pilot sounded normal and estimated weather conditions at that time as marginal VMC with haze.
A pilot who landed shortly before the accident described the local weather as hazy with clear skies. He chose to land after circling the airport because the PAPI (glide slope lights) on runway 28 were out of service, and it was quite dark on that side of the airport with haze present. He noted the pilot-controlled lighting was functional and visible from at least 5 miles away.
Responding law enforcement officers found the wreckage about 1.25 miles east of the approach end of runway 28. Initial impact points were about 60 feet above ground in trees. The NTSB examined the site, and the wreckage was recovered on November 23, 2012, to a secure hangar at Lenawee County Airport (ADG).
Personnel Information
The pilot held a valid private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. Flight logbooks showed a total of 765 hours of flight time, with 10.1 hours in the accident airplane during the 90 days prior. The pilot's logged night flight time totaled 16.4 hours, with the most recent night flight logged approximately 10 years earlier, on June 6, 2002. The pilot held a valid FAA third-class medical certificate issued March 22, 2012.
Aircraft Information
Aircraft maintenance logbooks indicated an annual inspection was completed on October 5, 2012, at a total airframe time of 2,533.5 hours. The most recent altimeter checks were conducted on September 8, 2010. A family member reported the pilot had stated the airplane was in good mechanical condition with no recent problems.
Meteorological Information
Official sunset at Hillsdale was 1713, and official twilight was 1743. The Hillsdale Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) recorded conditions at accident time: calm wind, 7 miles visibility, temperature 9°C, dew point 6°C, altimeter setting 30.17 inHg. The METAR for 212314Z AUTO reported clear skies. The airport manager assessed the weather as marginal VMC with haze.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located about 1.25 miles east of the approach end of runway 28, within a tree line adjacent to an open field. Tree heights ranged from 50 to 75 feet. Initial tree impact occurred about 60 feet above ground. The debris path extended approximately 750 feet through trees, with the airplane resting on its left side and the engine embedded at a shallow angle. The debris path heading was about 255 degrees magnetic. The fuselage and empennage were largely intact; the left wing was separated and folded under the fuselage.
Law enforcement reported a strong fuel odor at the site. The main fuselage lay on its left side about 742 feet from the initial tree impact. GPS coordinates were North 41.55182°, West 084.33069°, at an elevation of 1,211 feet MSL. The right wing was separated and in the debris path. The empennage remained attached; the cabin door was closed and latched, with its window fractured. The aft baggage door was closed. Windshields had minimal damage. Seatbelts and harnesses were attached. Control continuity was verified for rudder, aileron, and elevator systems. The flap handle indicated a full-up position. The magneto switch was off, and the carburetor heat control was off. Engine throttle and mixture controls were full forward. The altimeter Kollsman window showed 30.38 inHg, indicating about 1,400 feet MSL.
The engine was an Avco Lycoming O-360-A4A (180 HP). The propeller exhibited power signature indications with bending and twisting on one blade. The electric fuel pump contained aviation-grade blue fuel. The left and right fuel tanks were breached and devoid of fuel.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy conducted by the Lucas County Coroner's Office did not identify any pre-existing medical conditions that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot's fatal injuries were attributed to blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests were negative.
Tests and Research
The altimeter was removed and tested at a certified avionics facility under FAA supervision. Verification tests in the 500–6,000 foot range showed the altimeter was functional and operating normally.
Additional Information
The accident airplane was released to the owner's representative. FAA inspectors arrived at the crash site about 2200 on November 21 and noted the altimeter reading and barometric pressure.