Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 402 near Vineyard Haven, MA — 2008-09-27

Final reportNYC08FA324
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Date
2008-09-27
Location
Vineyard Haven, MA, USA
Airport
MVY
Aircraft
CESSNA 402
Registration
N770CA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the multiengine airplane, operated by a regional airline, was conducting a positioning flight in night instrument meteorological conditions. After takeoff, the airplane made a slight left turn before making a right turn that continued until radar contact was lost. The airplane reached a maximum altitude of 700 feet before impacting terrain about 3 miles northwest of the departure airport. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact failures. The weather reported at the airport, about the time of the accident, included a visibility of 5 statute miles in light rain and mist and an overcast ceiling at 400 feet. Analysis of the radar and weather data indicated that, with the flight accelerating and turning just after having entered clouds, the pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have delayed takeoff due to IMC conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

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