Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Bluffton: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Aug 23, 1979 at 0038 LT
Registration:
N27715
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Ypsilanti - Bluffton
MSN:
31-7852115
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
500.00
Circumstances:
The pilot was completing a cargo flight from Ypsilanti (Detroit-Willow Run) to Bluffton. On approach by night and poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a field. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground on final approach after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility down to zero, below minimums.
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility down to zero, below minimums.
Final Report:
