Aviation Accident Summary SEA90FA039

CASTLE ROCK, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N8859J

PIPER PA28-180

Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLT IN VISUAL TO IMC, THE PRIVATE PLT REPORTED TO ATC THAT HE WAS CIRCLING UP THROUGH A HOLE IN THE CLOUDS LOOKING FOR CLEAR SKIES INORDER TO PROCEED NORTHBOUND. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ON TOP OF THE CLOUDS AND DESCENDED TO TRY AND GET UNDER THE CLOUDS. THE PLT WAS CAUTIONED THAT VFR FLIGHT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO CLOUD CONDITIONS, OBSCURED MOUNTAINS AND LOW FREEZING LEVELS. THE PLT LAST TRANSMITTED, THAT HE WAS PROCEEDING UNDER THE CLOUDS WHEN RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA WITH THE FUSELAGE POSITIONED VERTICAL TO THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHICH ENTERED A STALL/SPIN THAT THE PILOT DID NOT RECOVER FROM.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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