Summary
On November 03, 1994, a Piper PA-18-105 (N7566K) was involved in an incident near Gillette, WY. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH TERRAIN. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING WERE THE SNOW COVERED TERRAIN AND LOW CEILING RESULTING IN POOR CONTRAST.
On November 3, 1994, approximately 1045 hours mountain standard time (mst), a Piper PA-18-105, N7566K, registered to John F. Christensen, and being flown by the owner's son, John O. Christensen, a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the aircraft descended into downsloping terrain and then nosed over approximately 37 nautical miles south of Gillette, Wyoming. The pilot was uninjured. Variable meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA95LA015. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7566K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH TERRAIN. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING WERE THE SNOW COVERED TERRAIN AND LOW CEILING RESULTING IN POOR CONTRAST.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 3, 1994, approximately 1045 hours mountain standard time (mst), a Piper PA-18-105, N7566K, registered to John F. Christensen, and being flown by the owner's son, John O. Christensen, a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the aircraft descended into downsloping terrain and then nosed over approximately 37 nautical miles south of Gillette, Wyoming. The pilot was uninjured. Variable meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was an aerial observation of cattle, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from the pilot's ranch near the accident site approximately 0945 hours.
The pilot reported that there was an estimated ceiling (overcast) of 1000 feet (above ground) and a visibility of 2 miles. He also stated that the ground was snow covered and that "contrast was poor due to (the) fresh snow on the ground."
He reported that while checking cattle he observed two coyotes and maneuvered to get a better look. While observing the animals out the right side of the aircraft, and with the aircraft in a glide over descending terrain, the wheels touched the snow and the aircraft nosed over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA95LA015