Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude in cruise flight due to his diverted attention, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a cross-country flight at night, he was attempting to deviate due to deteriorating weather. During which, he failed to maintain terrain clearance and the airplane contacted the top of a tree. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully at an airport about 23 miles away from where the tree contact was made. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the wings and windshield. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 9, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Piper PA34
- N-number
- N234NC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.