On October 19, 1988, a Cessna 172P (registration N52222) was involved in an aviation accident near Union City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE PILOT WHEN HE INADVERTENTLY ENTERED INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot and passenger departed after a briefing reporting near-saturation conditions (temp 55°F, dew point 54°F, calm wind). Witnesses saw the aircraft pass over a lit structure, execute a diving right turn, and impact the ground in fog. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.
Accident Details
A non-instrument rated pilot and a passenger embarked on a local night flight near the bay. According to the investigation, the pilot received a preflight weather briefing that indicated the surface temperature was 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the dew point was 54 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind was calm. The accident occurred during night conditions: the sun was at an altitude of -7.1 degrees and the moon was at -74.5 degrees below the horizon.
Ground witnesses reported observing the aircraft pass over a well-lit structure. Subsequently, the aircraft executed a diving right turn and impacted the ground. Witnesses noted the presence of fog in the vicinity at the time of the accident.
The impact forces and a post-crash fire resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. No other details about the occupants or any injuries were provided in the source material.
What happened in the 19 Oct 1988 Cessna 172P accident near Union City, CA?
A non-instrument rated pilot and passenger departed after a briefing reporting near-saturation conditions (temp 55°F, dew point 54°F, calm wind). Witnesses saw the aircraft pass over a lit structure, execute a diving right turn, and impact the ground in fog. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Oct 1988 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N52222, at Union City, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE PILOT WHEN HE INADVERTENTLY ENTERED INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE, DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS AND FOGGY WEATHER CONDITIONS, INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES, FAILURE TO PERFORM A WEATHER EVAULATION AFTER…
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