On November 12, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N8172A) operated by Howard PL Orlebeke was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to establish flight following and obtain current altimeter settings, combined with navigating using an outdated aeronautical chart that did not reflect the new airport's elevation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying to an unfamiliar airport at night collided with terrain one and one-quarter miles short of the runway during a base-to-final turn.
What happened
During a night cross-country flight, the pilot attempted to navigate to a new and unfamiliar airport. During the flight, the pilot was unable to establish flight following or obtain current altimeter settings.
Upon arriving at the area, the pilot flew over the airport and entered the traffic pattern. While performing a turn from base to final approach, with runway lights in sight, the airplane collodied with the terrain approximately 1.25 miles short of the runway. At the time of the accident, the pilot had not turned on the aircraft landing light. Following the accident, the pilot reported that his altimeter indicated 1,000 feet MSL.
Findings
The investigation revealed several contributing factors regarding navigation and information accuracy:
The VFR aeronautical chart in use did not show the new airport; the updated chart depicting the airport became effective three days after the accident.
There was a significant discrepancy in elevation awareness, as the old airport elevation was 483 feet MSL, while the new airport elevation is 780 feet MSL.
FAA records indicated that the pilot did not receive a preflight briefing.
Although a NOTAM containing pertinent information regarding the new airport was in effect, it was not utilized by the pilot.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to establish flight following and obtain current altimeter settings, combined with navigating using an outdated aeronautical chart that did not reflect the new airport's elevation.