# NTSB SEA95LA086: Piper PA-24-250, N6288P, Anaconda, MT, May 1, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 30, 1995, 18:25 local (May 1, 1995, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Anaconda, MT
- Coordinates: 46.119144, -112.970062 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1191&lon=-112.9701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42140
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA95LA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42140/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA086

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE WHILE THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS  AFTER HE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM HIS DESTINATION DUE TO DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING A VFR FLIGHT.  THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE COLLISION AND LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER DIFFICULTY.

## Factual narrative

On April 30, 1995, about 1825 hours mountain daylight time, N6288P, a Piper PA-24-250, collided with a tree and was substantially damaged while maneuvering over Anaconda, Montana.  The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.  The personal flight departed Missoula, Montana, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot, the pilot's intended destination was Butte, Montana.  During the flight, visibility decreased to IMC and the pilot began to maneuver the airplane in an attempt to find visual meteorological conditions.  As the airplane was maneuvering in IMC, the airplane's left wing collided with a tree.  The pilot radioed a MAYDAY and continued the flight to Butte.  The airplane landed in Butte uneventfully.  No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6288P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6288P), registered now, S/N 24-1398, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-1398
- Airframe hours: 8495
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Desilva, Harold L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 16, 1995, 24 hours before
- Departed: MSO, MISSOULA, MT
- Destination: BTM, BUTTE, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 707 total, 3 in this make and model, 575 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,600 ft broken
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BTM

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950430011279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950430011279A), Apr 30, 1995: Piper PA24250, Anaconda, MT, Substantial damage. Encountered IMC en route. Wing struck a tree while maneuvering for VFR. Continued flight. Landed at butte mt.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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