NTSB: Pilot's ‘improper decision' caused Mount Equinox crash
MANCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – The small plane crash on Mount Equinox back in February was likely caused by a pilot's 'improper decision' making skills, according to the NTSB's report.
Investigators wrote that the pilot altered his course, attempted to fly low and avoid clouds, then climb above them because of a perceived, rapid change in weather. As the Piper PA-28 entered clouds, icing occurred which caused it to stall, spin and crash.
This pilot did not hold an instrument rating, meaning he was not qualified to fly using only instruments in poor low-visibility conditions. NTSB investigators also detail that he 'was aware that they were near the VFR [visual flight rules], but he elected to continue the flight.'
The plane crashed into four feet of snow at an elevation of over 3,000 feet February 26. Manchester First Assistant Chief Jamie Greene suggested that the pilot and two passengers were 'cushioned' by snow. All of them suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
NTSB determined the probably cause was 'The pilot's improper decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions.'
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