Piper AEROSTAR 601P accident near Limerick, PA
On March 18, 1994, a Piper AEROSTAR 601P (airplane) was involved in an accident near Limerick, PA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- March 18, 1994
- Place
- Limerick, PA
- Aircraft
- Piper AEROSTAR 601P · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 40.179°N, 75.529°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001206X00973
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 18, 1994, about 1126 eastern standard time, an Aerostar 601P, N36444, owned by K&L Micro-Wave Electronics and piloted by Frederick G. Erb, was destroyed when it struck the ground during initial climb-out, about 1 mile from the Pottstown- Limerick Airport (PTW), Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured and a second passenger received serious injuries. An instrument flight plan had been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR 91. The airplane was based at the Salisbury (SBY) Airport, Salisbury, Maryland. The pilot and two passengers were employed by the same company and the flight originated that morning from SBY. The airplane arrived at PTW about 0815. Upon arrival at PTW, the passengers confirmed the expected departure time from PTW was 1100, and then departed by ground vehicle for their scheduled business meeting. According to personnel at the airport, the pilot met with local friends at the airport. At 1040, Mr. Erb telephoned the Salisbury Flight Service Station (FSS). He requested an abbreviated briefing for an instrument flight from PTW to the South Jersey Regional Airport (7MY), Mount Holly, New Jersey. Mr. Erb was given the weather requested, which included an AIRMET for icing. He did not file a flight plan at that time. The passengers arrived back at PTW at 1055. The pilot advised the passengers that due to weather, it would be "safer" to fly back to SBY and not make the planned stop at 7MY. The passengers agreed that the stop at 7MY was not essential. At 1100, Mr. Erb called the Salisbury FSS. He state
Probable cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT ICE WAS PROPERLY REMOVED FROM THE AIRPLANE BEFORE FLIGHT, POSSIBLY DUE TO IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT CAUSED BY A PRESCRIPTION DRUG (VALIUM) THAT WAS NOT APPROVED FOR USE WHILE FLYING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY REPORT HIS MEDICAL HISTORY ON HIS FAA MEDICAL APPLICATION, AND FAILURE OF THE DESIGNATED MEDICAL EXAMINER TO REPORT
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Browse: Pennsylvania · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
