Pilot Proficiency

On the Record: Piper PA-24

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 06:27 PM ET

Verified

NTSB Seal NTSB

Key Takeaways:

During an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, a Piper PA-24's right wing impacted a light pole, causing it to crash and resulting in one serious and one minor injury.
At the decision altitude, the pilot lost visual contact with the runway and situational awareness, failing to promptly execute the missed approach procedure.
The probable cause was attributed to the pilot's delayed execution of the published missed approach procedure, leading to the collision and subsequent impact with terrain.

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Piper PA-24

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