Piper PA34 N234NC

Summary

On 9 February 2016 at about 11:15 local time, a Piper PA34 registered N234NC, operated by New Century Air Service, was involved in an accident near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 February 2016 at 11:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

41.2417, -76.9219

Aircraft

Piper PA34

Registration

N234NC

Category

Airplane

Year built

1973

Engines

2

Operator

New Century Air Service

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Carrolton → Windsor Locks

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

ERA16CA105

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude in cruise flight due to his diverted attention, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a cross-country flight at night, he was attempting to deviate due to deteriorating weather. During which, he failed to maintain terrain clearance and the airplane contacted the top of a tree. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully at an airport about 23 miles away from where the tree contact was made. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the wings and windshield. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.