4) U- IMC ATO, C-FIT

Piper PA32-300 | N8963N

February 24th, 2024 | JACKSON, Ohio

Accident Location

  • City: JACKSON
  • State: Ohio
  • Latitude: 38.996098
  • Longitude: -82.57332
  • Airport ID: KJRO

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N8963N
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA32-300
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Baker, Daniel
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 44
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: February 24th, 2024
  • Time: 12:15 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA120
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 4) U- IMC ATO, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the non instrument rated pilot elected to make a takeoff in heavy snowfall with visibility one half mile or less. After takeoff the pilot attempted to stay visual and return for landing and eventually lost all outside visual reference, and subsequently flew the aircraft into the ground at high speed.

NTSB: 

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be extremely careful in decisions concerning takeoffs in poor weather conditions, especially those not trained or rated for IFR flight. The DTSB recommends that if a pilot encounters loss of ground contact after takeoff, immediately revert to instrument flight, remain wings level, do not look outside, climb and declare an emergency. Ask for ATC assistance in getting back down again. The use of preventative ADM is highly encouraged.

NTSB:

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.