On October 27, 1989, a Cessna TR182 (registration N756WH) operated by P.c. Transport Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Crane, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument-rated pilot on a VFR cross-country flight was advised of embedded thunderstorms. Radar showed a spiraling dive from 11,800 ft. The aircraft was found crashed nose-down, right wing low, with no preimpact failure.
Accident Details
A non-instrument-rated pilot was conducting a VFR cross-country flight. During the flight, he received an inflight weather briefing and was advised of a Convective SIGMET (25C) concerning embedded thunderstorms. The controller also provided current weather conditions for Midland and Farmington and suggested a routing around the thunderstorm area. The pilot stated he did not have a map and asked for the call letters for Farmington. When the aircraft did not arrive at its destination, a search was initiated.
Investigation Findings
Radar data showed that an aircraft in the area had made a spiraling dive from 11,800 feet before radar contact was lost. Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had crashed in a nose-down, right wing low attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found. According to witness information, the sky condition in the accident area was obscured.
What happened in the 27 Oct 1989 Cessna TR182 accident near Crane, TX?
A non-instrument-rated pilot on a VFR cross-country flight was advised of embedded thunderstorms. Radar showed a spiraling dive from 11,800 ft. The aircraft was found crashed nose-down, right wing low, with no preimpact failure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Oct 1989 involved a Cessna TR182, registration N756WH, operated by P.c. Transport Inc., at Crane, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE.
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…