Piper PA-32-260 accident near Pittsville, MD
On December 12, 1997, a Piper PA-32-260 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Pittsville, MD. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 12, 1997
- Place
- Pittsville, MD
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-32-260 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.390°N, 75.411°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X09355
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 11, 1997, about 2235 eastern standard time, a Piper PA32-260, N3448W, was destroyed when it struck trees, and impacted terrain in Pittsville, Maryland. The certificated non-instrument rated private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight which departed the Davis Airstrip Airport, at 2209. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a Maryland State Police report, witnesses observed the pilot enter a local bar between 1545, and 1600, where he was served five beers before leaving at 1830. The pilot was then observed at another bar where he was served one beer before leaving, at 1900. The bartender at the second bar stated the pilot appeared drunk. At 2000, the pilot was again observed at the first bar where he was served two mixed drinks. A witness at the bar stated the pilot was with two other men, and shortly after 2100, the three men left the bar and stated they were going flying. In a telephone interview, a witness who lived near the runway stated he heard a "fluttering" noise about 2145. When the noise became louder, he went to his door and observed the accident airplane with its lights on, back taxing on runway 36, an unlighted turf runway. He observed the airplane begin its takeoff roll and estimated the ground visibility was about 1,200 feet. He stated that the engine sounded "loud and smooth." He noted the time was 2209. Shortly thereafter, he heard the airplane above his house. Again, he described t
Probable cause
the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the adverse weather conditions.
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Browse: Maryland · 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.
