On February 22, 1989, a Cessna 182A (registration N3826D) was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the approach due to glare from the setting sun, which resulted in the aircraft drifting left of course and striking a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost visual reference during a sunset approach to a private airstrip due to glare from the setting sun, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.
What happened
The accident occurred while a private pilot was conducting an approach to land at a private airstrip. The aircraft was aligned with the western end of the strip when the incident took place. Environmental conditions included winds from the northeast at speeds between 11 and 15 knots.
According to the pilot's report, the setting sun caused significant visual impairment. The intense glare blinded the pilot, leading to a loss of situational awareness. This visual obstruction allowed the aircraft to drift left of the intended flight path. The plane subsequently struck a tree located on the airstrip and south of the approach end. The impact resulted in the aircraft colliding with terrain and coming to rest in an inverted position.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to maintain proper course alignment due to glare from the setting sun. This environmental condition directly caused the deviation from the approach path and the subsequent collision with a tree and terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the approach due to glare from the setting sun, which resulted in the aircraft drifting left of course and striking a tree.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Feb 1989 Cessna 182A accident near Brownsville, TX?
A private pilot lost visual reference during a sunset approach to a private airstrip due to glare from the setting sun, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Feb 1989 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N3826D, at Brownsville, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the approach due to glare from the setting sun, which resulted in the aircraft drifting left of course and striking a tree.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…