On April 12, 1986, a Cessna 177RG (registration N8047G) operated by Mark S. Mayer was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was advised by a weather briefer not to fly due to severe weather conditions, but continued. Despite three suggestions from a controller to divert, the pilot proceeded, likely because a friend awaited at the destination. The pilot may have been incapacitated by hail after the windshield separated, and the aircraft may have become uncontrollable.
Flight Advisories and Weather Conditions
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing from an FAA briefer, who advised against making the flight due to present and forecast weather conditions. Despite this warning, the pilot proceeded with the flight.
Arrival and Weather Observations
Upon arriving in the general area of the destination, the pilot observed the weather conditions and commented on their severity to an FAA controller. The local controller suggested three times that the flight divert to Love Field. The most probable reason for the pilot not diverting was that a friend was awaiting the pilot's arrival at Addison Airport.
Windshield Separation and Possible Incapacitation
During the flight, the windshield separated. The pilot was possibly incapacitated by hail impact after the windshield had separated. Cessna engineers stated that the aircraft most probably would be uncontrollable without the windshield in place.