On June 14, 1990, a Cessna 337G (registration N72476) operated by Pasquale Marini was involved in an aviation accident near Harrison, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC AND HIS SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument-rated pilot obtained a special VFR clearance into an IFR airport. After two missed approaches, witnesses saw the airplane emerge from clouds at low altitude, nose up, and stall.
Incident Overview
A pilot flying under a special VFR clearance attempted to land at an airport that was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Despite being advised of the weather conditions, the pilot elected to continue the approach.
Sequence of Events
The pilot made two approaches but was unable to establish visual contact with the ground. After aborting the second approach, ground witnesses observed the airplane exiting the clouds at a low altitude. According to witness accounts, the airplane then pitched nose-up and stalled.
Pilot Background
Investigation revealed that the pilot did not hold an instrument rating, and no records existed to indicate any prior instrument flying experience.
What happened in the 14 Jun 1990 Cessna 337G accident near Harrison, NY?
A non-instrument-rated pilot obtained a special VFR clearance into an IFR airport. After two missed approaches, witnesses saw the airplane emerge from clouds at low altitude, nose up, and stall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna 337G, registration N72476, operated by Pasquale Marini, at Harrison, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC AND HIS SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
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