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Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Encounters Adverse Weather After Takeoff; Wreckage Found Burning in Pasture (N3223S)

Elida, NM, US

On September 16, 1991, a Cessna 182G (registration N3223S) operated by Claude B. Mcafee was involved in an aviation accident near Elida, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION FOR THE FLIGHT AND HIS SUBSEQUENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS: HEAVY FOG AND LOW CEILING. 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 non-instrument rated pilot attempted a cross-country flight without a weather briefing or flight plan. After takeoff, the aircraft encountered low ceilings and heavy fog. Witnesses heard the engine stop, and later found wreckage burning in a pasture.

Flight Attempt

A pilot who was not rated to fly by instruments elected to conduct a cross-country flight. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing and did not file a flight plan prior to departure. After takeoff, and within several miles of the departure airport, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft flying overhead but were unable to see it due to low ceilings and heavy fog. They stated that the sound of the engine suddenly stopped. Later, after the fog lifted, witnesses observed smoke rising from the ground in a nearby pasture. Upon investigation, the aircraft wreckage was found at that location and was burning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Sept 1991 Cessna 182G accident near Elida, NM?

A non-instrument rated pilot attempted a cross-country flight without a weather briefing or flight plan. After takeoff, the aircraft encountered low ceilings and heavy fog. Witnesses heard the engine stop, and later found wreckage burning in a pasture.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna 182G, registration N3223S, operated by Claude B. Mcafee, at Elida, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION FOR THE FLIGHT AND HIS SUBSEQUENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS: HEAVY FOG AND LOW CEILING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18081. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.