Piper PA-28-236 | N8438B

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error. The Instrument rated pilot conducted an IFR approach to runway 14. The current weather at the field was variable 500 feet overcast and around 6 miles visibility at the time of his arrival. The pilot flew slightly right of course and likely did not get the runway in sight until much too late, where he then attempted to stay visual and maneuver for a visual landing with two tight right-hand turns. In the process of the second tight right turn at around 400-500 AGL, the aircraft maneuvered well below DMMS speed and stalled, impacting the walking trail and two other persons. The two other persons were seriously injured. The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be: 1) The pilot’s improper decision to maneuver following a failed straight in IFR approach. 2) The pilot’s failure to be aware of and honor DMMS limitations during the maneuvering attempt.

Probable Cause issued 5/13/2026 – 25 months after the accident: The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control while maneuvering outside established instrument approach procedures in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the local control controller’s failure to issue appropriate missed approach instructions due to inadequate procedural knowledge.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become familiar with DMMS and honor it in both IMC and VMC conditions. The DTSB recommends the following limitations: Below 2500 AGL, not more than 30 degrees bank, not less than DMMS. The DTSB also recommends that pilots do not attempt to salvage obviously unsatisfactory straight in IFR approaches by maneuvering.