CESSNA 150 near Senoia, GA — 2014-08-09

Probable cause

The noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The noninstrument-rated private pilot departed for a cross-country flight in night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). No record was found indicating that the pilot obtained an official weather briefing before the flight. GPS data indicated that, about 5 minutes after takeoff, the airplane turned back toward the departure airport. About 2 minutes later, as the airplane was flying at an altitude just above the height of the surrounding terrain (about 823 ft), it made a slight descending left turn. The airplane continued to descend, impacted a berm on the side of a gravel road and then trees, and came to rest nose down. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. A weather observation taken at the departure airport about the time of the accident included visibility of 6 statute miles with mist and an overcast ceiling at 600 ft above ground level (agl). A witness reported that visibility was restricted due to patchy areas of fog or mist and that the ceiling was about 300 to 400 ft agl. He added that "the sky was very dark" with little ambient light. Based on the GPS data, it is likely that the pilot was attempting to return to the airport and subsequently chose to attempt an off-airport landing due to the poor weather conditions. Toxicological testing detected ibuprofen, lidocaine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and salicylate in the pilot's urine. However, none of these medications were present in the pilot's blood at the time of the accident; therefore, impairment by the medications did not contribute to the accident. In addition, the testing revealed that the pilot had diabetes, which had not been previously diagnosed; however, it is unlikely that the pilot's diabetes contributed to the accident. Review of the pilot's medical records revealed that he had received a spinal injection to treat ongoing low back pain radiating to his arms and legs the day before the accident. Although painful symptoms and these injections can cause complications, they do not affect decision-making. In this case, the noninstrument-rated pilot improperly decided to fly in IMC, which led to the accident. Therefore, neither the back pain nor the injection contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

VFR into IMC

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have aborted the flight due to poor weather conditions.

NTSB coding

• VFR encounter with IMC · Initial climb
• Decision Making / Judgment
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• ADS-B / radar
• Photos
• 13 docket documents

Docket documents13

• Evidence Control Formform
• NTSB Party Guidance and Formform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Weather Informationform
• Memorandums and Witness Statementsinterview
• Aircraft Bill of Saleother
• Maintenance Records (excerpts)other
• Pilot's Logbook (excerpts)other
• Refueling Receiptother
• Photo Arrayphotos
• NTSB GPS Device - Specialist's Factual Reportreport
• NTSB GPS Device - Specialist's Factual Report (Attachment 1)report
• Toxicological Reportreport

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