CESSNA 172S near Kissimmee, FL — 2009-12-08

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to depart under special VFR flight at night when instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the departure airport and along the route of flight and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control.

NTSB narrative

The non-instrument-rated pilot departed for a night cross-country flight while instrument meteorological conditions existed at the departure airport. The pilot requested and received from air traffic control a special visual flight rules (VFR) clearance. After departure, the airplane was observed on radar climbing to an altitude of 2,400 feet above mean sea level (msl). Approximately 1 minute prior to the last radar return, air traffic control cleared the accident flight "on course" and the clearance was acknowledged by the pilot. Subsequently, radar data indicated that the airplane began a 180-degree right turn and its altitude decreased from 2,400 feet msl to 0 feet msl in about 12 seconds. The last radar return was located in the immediate vicinity of the accident location. The dark surface of the water in a relatively unlit area would have provided the pilot limited external visual reference and could have resulted in him becoming spatially disoriented or affected by a visual illusion. The pilot's logbook revealed that he had visited the departure airport several times prior to the accident. A postaccident examination of the airplane, structure, flight controls, engine, aircraft systems, and flight instruments revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode: VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate: Pilot should have canceled the flight due to IMC conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

ATC audio
Video
ADS-B / radar
Photos
22 docket documents

View NTSB final report View NTSB docket

Docket documents22

Orlando Approach Air Traffic Control Personnel Written Statementsatc
Orlando Approach Air Traffic Control Transcriptatc
Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Operatorform
Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
Fixed Base Operator Employees Written Statementsinterview
Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
Aircraft Maintenance Logbook Entries [Excerpts]other
Fuel Receiptother
Naval Observatory Official Sunset Tableother
Pilot Logbook [Excerpts]other
Pilot Training Recordsother
Rental Agreementother
Photo 1: Cabin and Fuselagephotos
Photo 2: Left Side Of Airplanephotos
Photo 3: Left Wingphotos
Photo 4: Right Wingphotos
Photo 5: Front Of Enginephotos
Photo 6: Airspeed Indicatorphotos
Radar Plotradar
Toxicological Reportreport
Weather Reportsreport
Security Videovideo