What appears to be a Piper Aerostar crashed on departure from Scottsdale airport last night. Taking off to the NE it crashed into the hills to the east and exploded on impact.
It looks like it missed clearing the top of the hills by only several hundred feet. How does something like this happen? It was a clear night and I find it hard to believe that the pilot was unaware of the terrain. At least two people were killed. I know a few years ago someone crashed into the same hills when they were illegally flying in IMC conditions.
This has been a bad week for General Aviation. I just get frustrated when what appears to be such an easily preventable accident occurs.
My condolences go out to the families involved.
It looks like it missed clearing the top of the hills by only several hundred feet. How does something like this happen? It was a clear night and I find it hard to believe that the pilot was unaware of the terrain. At least two people were killed. I know a few years ago someone crashed into the same hills when they were illegally flying in IMC conditions.
This has been a bad week for General Aviation. I just get frustrated when what appears to be such an easily preventable accident occurs.
My condolences go out to the families involved.