Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS THE WEATHER AND RISING TERRAIN.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 14, 1995, at 1310 central standard time, a Piper PA- 28-140, N9590W, was destroyed while maneuvering near Marshall, Arkansas. The private pilot received minor injuries. There was no flight plan filed and marginal visual meteorological (MVFR) conditions prevailed for the cross country flight.
This pilot received his flight training in the military during World War II. At one time in his flying history, he had been commercially certified, multiengine rated, multiengine sea rated, and instrument rated.
The enclosed Pilot/Operator report stated the following information. The pilot telephoned Jonesboro Flight Service Station for a weather briefing prior to his flight. The weather was forecasted to be MVFR. Approximately 8 miles southwest of Marshall, Arkansas, the weather deteriorated and he elected to return to Flippin, Arkansas. During a 180 degree turn, "I collided with small trees near the top of a ridge", and subsequently the airplane struck the ground. One wing was left hanging in a tree and the other was "folded back beneath the fuselage which came to rest on its left side." The pilot exited the airplane prior to the post crash fire, which consumed the airplane wreckage.
The pilot also reported that "this accident could have been prevented by waiting for better weather or by turning back sooner."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA091