Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA95LA052

NEW SMYRNA BCH., FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N24457

CESSNA 152

Analysis

THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PILOT TOOK OFF IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WITH 1 MILE VISIBILITY IN FOG. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF HE LOST SIGHT OF THE GROUND, ENTERED A DIVE, AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

Factual Information

On December 31, 1994, about 1900 eastern standard time, N24457, a Cessna 152, registered to Vintage Props & Jets Inc. crashed in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time. The noninstrument-rated pilot stated he attempted a flight in foggy weather. Shortly after takeoff he further stated he became disoriented when he lost sight of the ground, initiated a dive, and the airplane collided with the ground.

Probable Cause and Findings

INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS BY A NONINSTRUMENT-RATED PILOT, AND THE PILOT'S SUBSEQUENT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS' OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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