Night Flight Mistakes Lead to Tragic Crash

John Burley, a business owner from Windber, died when his small plane crashed in the Allegheny National Forest on Dec. 29, 2023. The crash happened while he was flying from Erie to Johnstown in the dark. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board said Burley chose to fly at night using only visual flight rules, even though weather forecasts warned of clouds and light snow. He had a private pilot licence but did not have the training needed for instrument flying, which is required when visibility drops. Before takeoff he did not file a flight plan or ask for a weather briefing. The night was already getting darker and the sky was overcast. As he entered an area with light snow, his plane began a left turn and climbed. It then started a steep spiral descent that led to a collision with trees.There were no mechanical problems found on the aircraft. The pattern of the crash fits a known flight‑disorientation phenomenon called the graveyard spiral. In such situations pilots can lose awareness of turns and altitude, causing a dangerous descent. After the crash tests on Burley’s liver found methamphetamine, amphetamine and other substances. The report said it could not say for sure how much the drugs affected his decision to keep flying in worsening conditions. Burley’s last medical exam, done on Jan. 31, 2023, showed no health issues and no medication use. The incident highlights the risks of night flying without proper training or equipment, especially when weather is expected to deteriorate.