Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain crash, Mar 5, 1998 (1 killed)
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident on March 5, 1998 near Novato-Gnoss Field, California, United States with 1 fatality. Cause: The pilot failed...
- Date: March 5, 1998
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
- Location: Novato-Gnoss Field, California, United States
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: The pilot failed to maintain adequate terrain clearance after starting a descent over mountainous terrain at night in marginal VFR conditions. Pressure to reach class on time for a final examination was cited as a factor.
A Piper Navajo Chieftain operated by Airpac Airlines was on a positioning flight from Santa Rosa to Oakland when it struck a hill near Novato at night. The pilot had started a descent through low stratus, rain and fog while trying to stay under the clouds. The sole occupant was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.