ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 356304
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| Date: | Sunday 19 January 1997 |
| Time: | 21:30 LT |
| Type: |  Cessna 180J |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N42376 |
| MSN: | 18052348 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1973 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 3105 hours |
| Engine model: | Continental O-470-R |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Lopez, WA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Decatur Island, WA |
| Monroe, WA (WA38) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The airline transport pilot decided to depart from a private airstrip at night and in reported marginal VFR conditions. He did not receive a weather briefing nor file a flight plan prior to the flight. Immediately after departure, about 150 feet above the ground, he inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions in the form of clouds and fog. He lost sight of the terrain and became disoriented. The airplane impacted trees and then descended into the water. The airplane was substantially damaged and sank. The pilot and his passenger escaped with minor injuries. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions, and that he should not have flown due to the uncertainty of favorable weather.
Probable Cause: The pilot's improper decision to initiate flight into marginal VFR conditions at night which led to inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were a low ceiling, fog, and dark night conditions.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB SEA97LA050
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Mar-2024 21:11 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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