ATL94LA031

A non-certified pilot decided to take a passenger for an airplane ride. Shortly after takeoff, a snowstorm moved into the area. Witnesses stated that after a go-around, the pilot was attempting to land, when the airplane disappeared into clouds. The airplane wreckage was found approximately 1/2 mile from the airstrip on the following day. The pilot had been issued a student pilot certificate in December 1982. No other flight experience was officially recorded.

History of flight

On December 25, 1993, at 1200 central standard time, a Carson Piel Emeraude CP305, N447TB, was destroyed following a collision with terrain in Morrison, Tennessee. The student pilot and one passenger were fatally injured in the accident and post impact fire. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. No flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at a private, grass airstrip in Morrison shortly before the accident.

Witnesses reported that the pilot was performing touch and go landings at the airstrip, which was owned by the pilot's family. The winds were gusting, with intermittent snow shower activity. The aircraft was seen executing a go-around at about 15 feet above the ground, then turning toward an approaching snow shower. The witnesses, who were relatives of the pilot, lost visual contact with the aircraft due to the snow showers. The aircraft wreckage was found the following day in a wooded area, approximately one half mile from the airstrip.

Personnel information

Witnesses reported that the pilot had recently purchased the airplane. The pilot had been issued a student pilot certificate on December 20, 1982. It was reported that the pilot had conducted his first solo flight in January, 1983. No other flight experience was recorded.

Medical and pathological information

Autopsies and toxicological examinations were not performed on the occupants at the request of the victims' families.