On May 27, 1984, a Cessna 172 (registration N6297E) operated by Patrick Stuart was involved in an aviation accident near Hardy, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a precautionary landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot continued a flight despite forecasts of low ceilings and visibility, encountering fog and rain that forced an off-airport precautionary landing among trees.
What happened
The aircraft collided with trees during an off-airport precautionary landing. The pilot had received a weather briefing prior to the flight that specifically forecasted low ceilings and reduced visibilities along the intended route. Despite these adverse conditions, the pilot elected to continue the flight.
During the flight, the pilot encountered fog. He subsequently made a 180-degree turn and encountered rain and low fog. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, he elected to make an off-airport landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a precautionary landing.
What happened in the 27 May 1984 Cessna 172 accident near Hardy, AR?
A pilot continued a flight despite forecasts of low ceilings and visibility, encountering fog and rain that forced an off-airport precautionary landing among trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 1984 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6297E, operated by Patrick Stuart, at Hardy, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a precautionary landing.
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