Casualties unknown

1986-12-15: Cessna 172K (N736XP) — EL Reno, OK

EL Reno, OK, US

On December 15, 1986, a Cessna 172K (registration N736XP) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Reno, OK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot attempted a VFR flight in IFR conditions, requested special VFR which was denied, then flew beneath a low ceiling in fog and collided with terrain. The pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; another passenger was seriously injured.

Accident Details

A Cessna 172K, operated by a private pilot, was involved in an accident during a flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while attempting to operate under visual flight rules (VFR). The pilot contacted Oklahoma City Approach Control and requested a Special VFR approach during hours of darkness. The request was denied due to the pilot's lack of instrument qualification. The pilot was subsequently issued radar vectors for landing at a nearby airport.

Despite the vectors, the pilot attempted to fly beneath a low ceiling in fog. The aircraft subsequently contacted terrain, resulting in a crash. The aircraft was destroyed.

Pilot and Flight

The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate, had accumulated approximately 150 hours of flight time. The pilot was not instrument-rated. The flight was conducted at night in conditions that required instrument flight capabilities, which the pilot lacked.

Aftermath

The pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries in the accident. A second passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft, a Cessna 172K, was destroyed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.