On January 28, 1983, a Cessna T210N (registration CGRFV) was involved in an aviation accident near Minersville, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference while flying under **low ceiling** conditions at night, compounded by his lack of an instrument rating and absence of weather briefings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed near a mountain peak and highway while flying at very low altitudes under a low ceiling on a dark night, with no mechanical defects found.
What happened
The aircraft impacted the terrain in a near vertical attitude near the top of a mountain and adjacent to a highway. Witnesses had observed the aircraft flying at very low altitudes under a low ceiling prior to the crash. The accident occurred on a dark night, which likely reduced visibility further.
The investigation
Investigators found no mechanical defects with the aircraft. There was no record of a preflight weather briefing or inflight advisories being obtained by the pilot.
Findings
The pilot failed to hold an instrument rating. Additionally, the accident occurred on a dark night. The combination of low ceiling conditions and lack of instrument proficiency contributed to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference while flying under **low ceiling** conditions at night, compounded by his lack of an instrument rating and absence of weather briefings.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Jan 1983 Cessna T210N accident near Minersville, UT?
An aircraft crashed near a mountain peak and highway while flying at very low altitudes under a low ceiling on a dark night, with no mechanical defects found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jan 1983 involved a Cessna T210N, registration CGRFV, at Minersville, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference while flying under **low ceiling** conditions at night, compounded by his lack of an instrument rating and absence of weather briefings.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…