Accident Overview
On March 18, 2020, at approximately 2245 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-180 airplane, registration N3943T, was destroyed in an accident near Pleasant Plain, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight History
The instrument flight rules (IFR) flight originated at 1820 from Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport (MKO), Muskogee, Oklahoma. Records show the pilot purchased 30.5 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel before departure. The intended destination was Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, Ohio. The pilot communicated with air traffic control (ATC) during the flight.
Radar and ADS-B data indicate the airplane climbed to 11,000 ft mean sea level after departure. Around 2112, the airplane began descending, and the pilot requested an RNAV approach to runway 22 at I69. At that time, conditions were dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The AWOS at I69 reported wind from 230° at 8 knots, visibility 7 miles with drizzle, and an overcast ceiling at 600 ft above ground level.
ATC provided radar vectors to the FIGPU initial approach fix (IAF). When the airplane was about 8 miles from FIGPU, ATC cleared it for the approach. About 2.5 miles west of FIGPU, the aircraft turned westbound. ATC asked if assistance was needed; the pilot reported turning back due to an autopilot malfunction. The airplane then turned southeast, and the pilot acknowledged proceeding to another IAF, JERAL. The pilot stated he was flying manually.
About 4.5 miles from JERAL, the airplane turned southbound. The pilot reported heavy turbulence and downdrafts. The aircraft entered a rapidly descending left turn. ATC issued a low-altitude alert and instructed the pilot to climb to 4,000 ft immediately. No response was received, and radar contact was lost as the airplane descended through 1,400 ft, approximately 14 miles north of I69.
Meteorological Conditions
A National Transportation Safety Board weather study documented a stationary frontal system over the area, resulting in widespread IFR conditions with low ceilings, low visibility, drizzle, and rain. The study indicated the airplane was flying in conditions conducive to low-level windshear and convective turbulence. No record of a preflight weather briefing was found, and the flight plan did not list an alternate airport.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage was severely fragmented in a densely wooded area, with the initial impact point at a treetop about 69 ft high. Debris was scattered on an approximate heading of 135°, coming to rest near a small pond. The engine, propeller, and main instrument panel were located 55 ft from the main wreckage. Post-impact examinations of the airframe, flight controls, and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies.
An autopsy determined the cause of death as blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests were negative for alcohol and other drugs.