On August 24, 1988, a Mooney M20J (registration N5769Y) operated by Flightworks Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Inyokern, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOTS INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL AFTER ENCOUNTERING A LEVEL FOUR THUNDERSTORM ON A NIGHT VFR CROSS COUNTRY. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot on a night VFR cross-country flight did not obtain a preflight weather briefing despite available thunderstorm information. Radar data showed erratic altitude, a tight right turn, and rapid descent; wreckage indicated high-speed impact in a steep bank.
Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a night visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight did not obtain a preflight weather briefing. Weather reports from a nearby airport and witness observations indicated that a Level 4 thunderstorm was near the accident site as the aircraft approached. Weather information available at the time of departure clearly noted the thunderstorm with heavy rain and lightning present on the intended route.
Radar and Flight Path
Radar data showed the aircraft tracking along a highway. The Mode C transponder reported erratic altitude jumps. Subsequently, the radar data indicated that the aircraft turned right tightly and descended at a rapid rate.
Wreckage Evidence
Evidence at the accident site showed that the aircraft contacted the ground in a 60-degree right bank turn with the nose down at about 40 degrees and at a high rate of speed.