Nighttime flight accident near Piney Flats, Tennessee

1 fatality • Piney Flats, United States of America • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area on Mt Holston during a night flight, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

A solo flight originating from Biggs AAF and Davison AAF (Fort Belvoir, Virginia) ended in a fatal accident near Piney Flats, Tennessee. While operating under night conditions, the aircraft was cruising at an insufficient altitude. During this phase of flight, the plane made contact with treetops before crashing into a forested region on Mt Holston.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot, who was the only person on board. No other injuries were reported.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was that the pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude during night operations, leading to the collision with vegetation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during night flight led to a collision with trees.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-12-27 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Piney Flats, United States of America?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area on Mt Holston during a night flight, resulting in the death of the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-12-27 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-12-27 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Piney Flats, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during night flight led to a collision with trees.

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