On March 31, 1988, a Cessna 172M (registration N6534H) operated by Denton, Clarence W. was involved in an aviation accident near Hope, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-instrument rated pilot initiated the flight into known adverse weather after being advised during a preflight weather briefing that VFR flight was not recommended. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot initiated a flight into known adverse weather despite being advised that VFR flight was not recommended. About 40 minutes before the crash, he requested weather from El Dorado Radio. Witnesses reported a dark night with low ceiling.
Incident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot conducted a flight that entered known adverse weather conditions. The pilot had received a preflight weather briefing during which he was advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Despite this warning, he proceeded with the flight.
Pilot Actions
Approximately 40 minutes before the crash, the pilot contacted El Dorado (Arkansas) Radio and requested their weather information. At the time of the call, the pilot reported his position as being in the vicinity of the accident location.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses near the crash site reported that conditions at the time included a dark night and a low ceiling prevailing in the area.
Probable cause
The non-instrument rated pilot initiated the flight into known adverse weather after being advised during a preflight weather briefing that VFR flight was not recommended.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Mar 1988 Cessna 172M accident near Hope, AR?
A non-instrument rated pilot initiated a flight into known adverse weather despite being advised that VFR flight was not recommended. About 40 minutes before the crash, he requested weather from El Dorado Radio. Witnesses reported a dark night with low ceiling.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 1988 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N6534H, operated by Denton, Clarence W., at Hope, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The non-instrument rated pilot initiated the flight into known adverse weather after being advised during a preflight weather briefing that VFR flight was not recommended.
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