On April 30, 2000, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N7421S) operated by Robert C. Donoho was involved in an aviation accident near Estes Park, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A descent below the surrounding terrain, by the pilot, in IMC conditions. Factors were high mountainous terrain, clouds, inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, and the pilot's flight into IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a cross-country flight, the pilot descended below terrain clearance altitude into IMC conditions, impacting a mountain peak. The pilot lacked an instrument rating and had not filed a flight plan.
Accident Overview
According to radar data and weather information, while conducting a cross-country flight, the pilot descended below the minimum terrain clearance altitude and entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft subsequently impacted a mountain peak approximately 100 feet below the summit.
Flight Details
No flight plan had been filed for the flight. The pilot was not instrument rated, meaning they were not certified to operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments in reduced visibility or cloud conditions.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a descent below the surrounding terrain by the pilot while in IMC conditions. Contributing factors included high mountainous terrain, clouds, an inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, and the pilot's decision to fly into IMC conditions.