Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention during an approach for landing that resulted in an altitude loss and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was on approach to the destination airport when the pilot noticed a differential reading between the left and right engine cylinder/exhaust temperatures. While preparing to land, he moved his seat back to be able to better view the gauges located on the right side of the instrument panel. While the pilot was recording the gauge indications on paper, the airplane's airspeed decreased, the sink rate increased, and the airplane descended and impacted trees and a corn field.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA529 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Baraboo, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Baraboo Wisconsin Dells Airpor (DLL)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper Aerostar 601P
- N-number
- N601PP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.