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Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument Rated Private Pilot Strikes Trees in Low Visibility Night Conditions (N3962Y)

Covington, LA, US

On September 26, 1989, a Cessna 210D (registration N3962Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING TWO BRIEFINGS AND HIS DECISION TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDTIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF NIGHT AND INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot with no instrument rating and limited night experience impacted trees near the destination airport after receiving weather briefings that advised against VFR flight. The airplane was in a descending, wings-level attitude at the time of impact.

Incident Overview

A non-instrument rated private pilot conducted a night cross-country flight despite weather briefings that indicated visual flight rules (VFR) were not recommended. The preflight and en route briefings highlighted unfavorable conditions at the destination, which included low ceilings, fog, and visibility of approximately one-half mile.

Flight and Impact Details

The aircraft impacted trees at an altitude of 85 feet while in a descending, wings-level attitude. The impact site was located about three-quarters of a mile from the destination airport. The investigation found no evidence of any pre-impact failure or malfunction of the airplane, its powerplant, or associated systems.

Pilot Experience

The private pilot had accumulated a total of 14 hours of night flying experience and 2 hours of hood time (instrument training under simulated conditions). The pilot did not hold an instrument rating, which would have allowed operation in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 1989 Cessna 210D accident near Covington, LA?

A private pilot with no instrument rating and limited night experience impacted trees near the destination airport after receiving weather briefings that advised against VFR flight. The airplane was in a descending, wings-level attitude at the time of impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 210D, registration N3962Y, at Covington, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING TWO BRIEFINGS AND HIS DECISION TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDTIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF NIGHT AND INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29371. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.