BETHEL, ME, USA
N5867W
PIPER PA-28-160
THE AIRPLANE CRASHED AT NIGHT ABOUT 2 MI EAST OF THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. THE ACCIDENT SITE IS MOUNTAINOUS, AND THE ELEVATION IS ABOUT 600 FT ABOVE THE AIRPORT. THE AIRPORT IS UNATTENDED; THE ONE RUNWAY IS NOT LIGHTED. ACCORDING TO THE SURVIVNG PASSENGER, SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD BE LANDING SHORTLY, AND SOON AFTERWARDS SHE HEARD THE SOUNDS OF THE AIRPLANE STRIKING TREES.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO AVOID THE TERRAIN. THE DARK NIGHT WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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