On November 23, 1987, a Cessna 182C (registration N8504T) was involved in an aviation accident near Hazel Green, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during final approach due to distraction by the airspeed indicator. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with limited recent night experience became preoccupied with the airspeed indicator during final approach, allowing the aircraft to descend below the proper glide path and strike a tree short of the runway.
What happened
The aircraft struck a tree approximately 300 yards short of the runway while on final approach for landing. The pilot reported that he became preoccupied with monitoring the airspeed indicator, which caused him to allow the airplane to descend below the proper glide path.
The pilot had less than one hour of night flight experience in the preceding 90 days. His total night flight experience was six hours.
Findings
The pilot became preoccupied with the airspeed indicator
The aircraft descended below the proper glide path
The pilot had limited recent night flight experience
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during final approach due to distraction by the airspeed indicator.
What happened in the 23 Nov 1987 Cessna 182C accident near Hazel Green, AL?
A pilot with limited recent night experience became preoccupied with the airspeed indicator during final approach, allowing the aircraft to descend below the proper glide path and strike a tree short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Nov 1987 involved a Cessna 182C, registration N8504T, at Hazel Green, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during final approach due to distraction by the airspeed indicator.
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