On March 3, 1989, a Cessna 182 (registration N735EZ) operated by Hampton Inns Developement Corp was involved in an aviation accident near Robstown, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DELAYED FLIGHT TO AN ALTERNATE DESTINATION, CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. 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 non-instrument rated pilot, flying VFR-on-top with low fuel, crashed after descending through clouds and fog near an airport. Investigators found no mechanical failure but discovered 750 lbs of marijuana on board.
Accident Details
The pilot of a general aviation aircraft contacted approach control and reported that he was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) on top of a cloud layer with a low fuel condition. In response, controllers provided radar vectors to the nearest airport. The pilot, who was not rated for instrument flight, initiated a descent and reported that he had the airport in sight, but only intermittently through clouds and fog. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the airport.
Investigation
During the post-accident investigation, approximately 750 pounds of marijuana were found aboard the aircraft. No evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was discovered. The investigation did not determine a specific cause for the crash.
What happened in the 3 Mar 1989 Cessna 182 accident near Robstown, TX?
A non-instrument rated pilot, flying VFR-on-top with low fuel, crashed after descending through clouds and fog near an airport. Investigators found no mechanical failure but discovered 750 lbs of marijuana on board.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 182, registration N735EZ, operated by Hampton Inns Developement Corp, at Robstown, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT DELAYED FLIGHT TO AN ALTERNATE DESTINATION, CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE, DARK NIGHT,…
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