NARROWS, VA, USA
N16540
PIPER PA-28R-200
AN INTENSE THUNDERSTORM WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA OF THE ACCIDENT. ATC RADAR DATA SHOWED THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE MADE A SHARP TURN AND LOST ALTITUDE. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AND ENGINE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF AN INSTRUMENT RATING, AND HIS DISREGARD OF FORCASTED ADVERSE WEATHER ALONG THE ROUTE OF FLIGHT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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