What happened
On January 13, 2013, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N6537C, crashed into Croatan Sound near Manteo, North Carolina, following an attempted visual maneuver in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
The flight departed Sanford-Lee County Airport (TTA) and was cleared for a GPS approach to runway 05 at Dare County Regional Airport (MQI). Prior to the accident, the pilot had acknowledged a report of reduced visibility of 2 to 3 miles, despite the automated weather system reporting 10 miles of visibility.
During the instrument approach, the aircraft descended through the clouds. The passenger reported that the aircraft appeared too far down the runway to land safely. Instead of executing a missed approach, the pilot transitioned into a visual traffic pattern, turning for a left downwind leg at 410 feet mean sea level (msl). While maneuvering on the base leg, the aircraft re-entered the clouds. The passenger stated the pilot said "uh oh," added power, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the water. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury, and the passenger sustained 1 minor injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage recovered from the water approximately 1,000 yards southwest of the approach end of runway 05. The examination of the N6537C revealed that the wings and empennage had been torn from the fuselage due to impact forces. The engines and flight control systems showed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Both propellers and the maintenance logbooks were not recovered due to water submersion.
Analysis of the pilot's altimeter showed it was set to 30.00 inches of mercury, which was 150 feet lower than the reported altimeter setting at the time of the accident. Because the barometric pressure was not reset, the aircraft was actually flying at approximately 260 feet msl when the altimeter indicated 410 feet msl.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to fly visually in instrument meteorological conditions while maneuvering at a low altitude in the traffic pattern.
- The pilot's lack of experience flying in actual instrument meteorological conditions contributed to the accident.
- The use of an incorrect altimeter setting caused the aircraft to be at a lower altitude than indicated.
- The presence of fog and low cloud ceilings was conducive to the development of spatial disorientation.