On April 10, 1985, a Cessna 177 (registration N2907X) operated by Carl D. Luke was involved in an aviation accident near Fallbrook, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The increased scan pattern probably resulted in the diversion of the pilot's attention from the flight instruments, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aware of IMC conditions and reduced lighting at sunset attempted a visual approach to his home airport, which lacked an approved approach. Using an onboard LORAN receiver, the pilot's increased instrument scan pattern likely diverted attention, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees. Witnesses reported dense fog.
Accident Details
A pilot attempted a visual approach to his home airport despite awareness of existing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and reduced lighting as the sun set. The home airport did not have an approved approach procedure. During the approach, the pilot communicated with McClellan-Palomar Tower about the use of the onboard LORAN receiver. Charts found in the wreckage depicted coordinates of the home airport, indicating the pilot was probably using the LORAN to obtain a fix on the airport.
Investigation Findings
The LORAN display was located on the instrument panel in a position that required the pilot's flight-instrument scan pattern to be increased to the right of the normal pattern. This increased scan pattern probably resulted in the diversion of the pilot's attention from the flight instruments, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees. Witnesses stated that dense fog was present in the area at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The increased scan pattern probably resulted in the diversion of the pilot's attention from the flight instruments, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Apr 1985 Cessna 177 accident near Fallbrook, CA?
A pilot aware of IMC conditions and reduced lighting at sunset attempted a visual approach to his home airport, which lacked an approved approach. Using an onboard LORAN receiver, the pilot's increased instrument scan pattern likely diverted attention, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees. Witnesses reported…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Apr 1985 involved a Cessna 177, registration N2907X, operated by Carl D. Luke, at Fallbrook, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The increased scan pattern probably resulted in the diversion of the pilot's attention from the flight instruments, allowing the aircraft to descend into trees.
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