Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) crash, Feb 17, 1979 (2 killed)
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident on February 17, 1979 near New Braunfels Texas, United States with 2 fatalities. Cause: The pilot...
- Date: February 17, 1979
- Aircraft: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
- Location: New Braunfels Texas, United States
- Fatalities: 2
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: The pilot continued flight beyond his experience and instrument ability, leading to loss of control, an uncontrolled descent and a ground collision. Contributing factors included improper IFR operation and spatial disorientation.
Ted Smith Aerostar 601P N9779Q, flying from San Antonio to Lake Charles, went out of control and entered a dive at cruise altitude before crashing near New Braunfels, Texas. Both occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.