On January 26, 1989, a Cessna T337G (registration N6CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Green Bay, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, DUE TO THE LOSS OF COCKPIT/INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, THE INOPERATIVE PENLIGHT, AND SUBSEQUENT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION OF THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported losing instrument panel lighting during a night flight, then having no cabin lights. The aircraft crashed south of the airport at high speed. A penlight with dead batteries and a flashlight were found.
Incident Overview
During a night flight, the pilot reported that the instrument panel lighting had failed, but that he had a flashlight. Approximately 14 minutes later, he reported that there were no lights in the cabin and that he was changing flashlights. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed about half a mile south of the airport.
Impact Evidence
There was evidence that the aircraft impacted terrain while traveling at high speed. The electrical system was severely damaged by the impact; circuit breakers were destroyed or popped, and the light rheostat switch was damaged during the occurrence.
Wreckage Findings
A penlight was found in the wreckage with dead 'AA' batteries. A 2-cell 'D' flashlight was found in a pocket attached to the rear of the left front seat.
What happened in the 26 Jan 1989 Cessna T337G accident near Green Bay, WI?
A pilot reported losing instrument panel lighting during a night flight, then having no cabin lights. The aircraft crashed south of the airport at high speed. A penlight with dead batteries and a flashlight were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna T337G, registration N6CF, at Green Bay, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, DUE TO THE LOSS OF COCKPIT/INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, THE INOPERATIVE PENLIGHT, AND SUBSEQUENT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION OF THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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