Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 210 near Russian Mission, AK — 2017-10-16

Final reportANC18FA003
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Date
2017-10-16
Location
Russian Mission, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 210
Registration
N8347Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The non-instrument-rated private pilot was conducting a VFR cross-country flight in an area of low clouds and fog layers. According to a pilot who departed about 10 minutes ahead of the accident pilot on the same flight route, widespread areas of low-level fog existed along the flight route. The interviewed pilot estimated that fog existed between 400 and 600 ft above ground level (agl). The interviewed pilot also stated that he flew his airplane at 1,500 ft agl, above the fog and with good visibility, but he did not know the altitude at which the accident pilot would be flying his airplane. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Meteorological information indicated that the accident pilot would have encountered instrument meteorological conditions during the flight. Specifically, the area forecast that was valid at the time of the accident included an AIRMET for instrument conditions, a broken to overcast ceiling at 300 ft with cloud tops at 10,000 ft, and visibilities below 1 mile in mist. Also, images from the FAA's aviation weather camera facing the direction of the accident location indicated a low bank of clouds toward the accident site and along the intended flight route. The pilot's relatively low flight experience, lack of an instrument rating and the lack of visual references due to fog and cloud layers created a situation conducive to the development of spatial disorientation. The airplane wreckage and impact information indicated that a loss of control occurred, which is consistent with the known effects of spatial disorientation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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