Apr. 12, Hardeeville, S.C. / Piper PA-16

About 14:10 EDT, a Piper PA-16 crashed while trying to avoid turbulence, killing the two occupants. Records show the pilot reported that turbulence was pretty bad at his assigned altitude of 5,500 feet msl, and he requested a lower altitude. The controller had to give the pilot a left turn because of conflicting traffic at 12 oclock, and 4 miles, opposite direction, at 4,000 feet. The airplane started the left turn and the pilot reported that turbulence was now severe. Radar stopped showing a return at 14:09....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Piper PA-16 crashed around 14:10 EDT, resulting in the deaths of its two occupants.
  • The pilot had reported bad turbulence at 5,500 feet and requested a lower altitude.
  • While executing a left turn to avoid conflicting traffic, the pilot reported severe turbulence, and radar contact was subsequently lost.
See a mistake? Contact us.

About 14:10 EDT, a Piper PA-16 crashed while trying to avoid turbulence, killing the two occupants. Records show the pilot reported that turbulence was pretty bad at his assigned altitude of 5,500 feet msl, and he requested a lower altitude. The controller had to give the pilot a left turn because of conflicting traffic at 12 oclock, and 4 miles, opposite direction, at 4,000 feet. The airplane started the left turn and the pilot reported that turbulence was now severe. Radar stopped showing a return at 14:09.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE