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Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument-Rated Pilot Loses Contact After Requesting Assistance in IMC (N2165Y)

Missing, AO, US

On January 7, 1991, a Cessna 172D (registration N2165Y) operated by Vernon, Jesse H. was involved in an aviation accident near Missing, AO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUATION OF VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AND A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. 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 pilot who was not instrument-rated contacted Wilmington Approach after becoming disoriented in IMC. Radar and radio contact were lost shortly after, with damage and injuries presumed.

Incident Details

The pilot departed from Southport, North Carolina, without a recorded weather briefing. Approximately 35 minutes after departure, the pilot contacted Wilmington Approach Control, stating that he was unsure of his position, was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), was not qualified as an instrument pilot, and requested weather information. Wilmington Approach attempted to vector the airplane to Wilmington Airport. At 1721, radar and radio communication were lost.

Weather Conditions

A frontal system was present in the area at the time, which contained significant convective activity and extensive rain.

Aftermath

Aircraft damage and injuries are presumed.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jan 1991 Cessna 172D accident near Missing, AO?

A pilot who was not instrument-rated contacted Wilmington Approach after becoming disoriented in IMC. Radar and radio contact were lost shortly after, with damage and injuries presumed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jan 1991 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2165Y, operated by Vernon, Jesse H., at Missing, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S CONTINUATION OF VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AND A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING BEFORE DEPARTURE, THE ADVERSE WEATHER AND LIGHT CONDITIONS, AND THE…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.