On September 14, 1991, a Cessna 210 (registration N6558X) operated by Melvin C. Bingham was involved in an aviation accident near Rialto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE WEATHER EVALUATION AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT DUE TO THE USE OF DRUGS WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. 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.
A pilot and passenger departed at 0200 for a flight to a non-controlled airport. The pilot descended in fog, impacting terrain 2 miles north of the destination. Toxicology revealed methamphetamine in the pilot and passenger.
Departure and Weather Conditions
The pilot and a passenger departed their home base at 0200 hours for a flight lasting over an hour to meet a friend at a non-controlled airport. The automated terminal information service (ATIS) at a nearby controlled airport reported an 800-foot overcast ceiling with 2 miles visibility in fog. Local residents and police stated that visibility in the area was obscured by dense fog with occasional breaks.
Flight and Descent
Radar data indicated that the pilot circled the intended airport at about 0330 hours while descending. The pilot then descended into semi-level terrain approximately 2 miles north of the intended destination airport.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicological analysis revealed 2.1 milligrams per kilogram of methamphetamine in the pilot's liver. Drug paraphernalia was located at the accident site. The passenger also had methamphetamine in his blood.
Additional Information
There was no record of a preflight weather briefing.
What happened in the 14 Sept 1991 Cessna 210 accident near Rialto, CA?
A pilot and passenger departed at 0200 for a flight to a non-controlled airport. The pilot descended in fog, impacting terrain 2 miles north of the destination. Toxicology revealed methamphetamine in the pilot and passenger.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna 210, registration N6558X, operated by Melvin C. Bingham, at Rialto, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE WEATHER EVALUATION AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT DUE TO THE USE OF DRUGS WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.
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