On October 19, 1985, a Cessna 170A (registration N9271A) operated by Paul E. Van Houten was involved in an aviation accident near Murphysboro, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to continue flight in marginal VMC conditions in an aircraft placarded for day VFR only, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft placarded for day VFR only collided with trees approximately 32 minutes after takeoff in marginal visual meteorological conditions, resulting in a ground impact.
What happened
The pilot departed the airport under marginal visual flight rules (VMC) conditions. The aircraft was specifically placarded with a restriction for day VFR operations only. Approximately 32 minutes after the takeoff phase, the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently descended to impact the ground.
A hunter located in the immediate vicinity of the accident site reported hearing a change in the engine sound, which suggested the aircraft was turning. However, the witness stated that they were unable to visually observe the aircraft due to low cloud cover, poor visibility, and heavy rain at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational environment and the aircraft's limitations. The pilot elected to operate in weather conditions that did not meet the requirements for safe flight, given the aircraft's specific placarding restrictions.
Probable cause
the pilot's decision to continue flight in marginal VMC conditions in an aircraft placarded for day VFR only, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.