Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150G near Hillsville, VA — 2023-02-27

Final reportERA23FA131
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Date
2023-02-27
Location
Hillsville, VA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150G
Registration
N2991J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The instrument-rated pilot was conducting a personal, cross-country, visual flight rules flight and did not receive a formal weather briefing before departing. Flight track data showed that, after departure, the airplane proceeded direct to the destination airport for about 40 minutes. Then, after entering mountainous terrain, the airplane completed a descending 540° left turn and reversed course while continuing to descend at a rate of 250 ft per minute. The airplane impacted trees and terrain and came to rest in a wooded area. The reported weather conditions in the area around the time of the accident included less than 2 miles visibility and clouds about 255 ft above ground level (agl). Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the cut branches located in the vicinity of the accident site, and the damage signatures observed on the propeller, the engine was likely producing power at the time of impact. While en route, the pilot likely encountered deteriorating weather conditions that obscured the mountainous terrain and as the pilot attempted to turn around and exit the deteriorating weather conditions the airplane gradually descended and struck trees and the terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not obtain preflight weather information despite adverse conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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