On November 18, 1990, a Cessna 206 (registration N5184U) operated by Climbing Out Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pullman, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DISPLAYED INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE WEATHER WAS OBSCURED, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND A PROPER ALTITUDE NOT MAINTAINED. 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.
Aircraft registered N5184U. Photo: Jackmar1 at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
During a cross-country flight, a pilot reported difficulty finding an airport due to clouds. ATC provided guidance, but the aircraft was later found in controlled flight heading toward the airport with no mechanical failures.
Incident Overview
A pilot on a cross-country flight encountered difficulty locating the destination airport due to cloud cover. The pilot advised air traffic control (ATC) that the airport could not be found. ATC responded by informing the pilot of the airport's location. In response, the pilot reported observing a clear area northeast of the airport.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was last identified on radar as it descended in the area that the pilot had described as clear. Subsequent investigation focused on the wreckage distribution path, which indicated that the flight was heading in the direction of the airport at the time of the event. The aircraft's trajectory was consistent with controlled flight.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. The distribution of debris supported the conclusion that the aircraft was under control and oriented toward the airport. No other anomalies were noted during the on-scene investigation. The probable cause of the accident was not determined from available information.
What happened in the 18 Nov 1990 Cessna 206 accident near Pullman, WA?
During a cross-country flight, a pilot reported difficulty finding an airport due to clouds. ATC provided guidance, but the aircraft was later found in controlled flight heading toward the airport with no mechanical failures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 206, registration N5184U, operated by Climbing Out Inc., at Pullman, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT DISPLAYED INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE WEATHER WAS OBSCURED, THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND A PROPER ALTITUDE NOT MAINTAINED.
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