Piper PA-28-140 N6360W

Summary

On 8 October 1995 at about 19:30 local time, a Piper PA-28-140 registered N6360W was involved in an accident near Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 October 1995 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

40.0496, -76.1796

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-140

Registration

N6360W

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Collegeville → Smoketown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

BFO96FA010

1 person died.

the pilot's (PIC's) improper in-flight planning/decision concerning simulated instrument flight during the traffic pattern/descent; and failure of the safety pilot (other crewmember) to provide adequate visual lookout to see-and-avoid the obstruction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was practicing simulated instrument flight with a safety pilot, when the airplane struck high tension power lines about 2.5 miles east of the destination airport. He stated that he was wearing foggles, and the safety pilot was present to provide guidance to the runway. The pilot stated that he had flown simulated IFR approaches with the safety pilot on other occasions, and found the safety pilot helpful. Also, the pilot noted that the safety pilot was less helpful during the accident flight than his previous experiences had led him to expect. The pilot stated that, although he was unsure of his position in the pattern, he continued his descent, until he heard '...a shrill whine... .' as the airplane contacted the power line cables. Just before impact, the safety pilot took over the flight controls and initiated evasive action, but to no avail. After collided with the power lines, the airplane fell to the ground. During postaccident examination at the accident site, pieces of 9 gauge steel wire were found in the engine compartment. The pilot reported that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction. Pathological and toxicological examination of the safety pilot reflected no evidence of a preimpact incapacitating problem.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.