On December 29, 1991, a Beech C23 (registration N9304S) operated by Henson, Harold V was involved in an aviation accident near Lineville, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT CONTINUED VFR INTO IMC CONDITIONS WHERE HE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: LOW CLOUDS, OBSCURED TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRELFLIGHT PLANNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A noninstrument-rated pilot contacted FSS but did not obtain a weather briefing, later departed without a flight plan and crashed on Cheaha Mountain in low visibility conditions.
Accident Details
A noninstrument-rated pilot contacted a Flight Service Station (FSS) to inquire about local and destination weather conditions. However, the pilot did not request or receive a weather briefing. The FSS advised that the weather would remain marginal for visual flight rules (VFR) until later in the day. The pilot stated he would call back later but did not return the call. He subsequently departed the airport without filing a flight plan.
The aircraft later crashed on Cheaha Mountain at an elevation of approximately 1,700 feet. The crash occurred in a near-level flight attitude.
Weather Conditions
On the day of the accident, the mountain was reported to be obscured in clouds. Visibility reports indicated zero to 50 feet in light drizzle and fog. These conditions persisted throughout the day.
Wreckage Examination
Inspection of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Dec 1991 Beech C23 accident near Lineville, AL?
A noninstrument-rated pilot contacted FSS but did not obtain a weather briefing, later departed without a flight plan and crashed on Cheaha Mountain in low visibility conditions.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Dec 1991 involved a Beech C23, registration N9304S, operated by Henson, Harold V, at Lineville, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT CONTINUED VFR INTO IMC CONDITIONS WHERE HE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: LOW CLOUDS, OBSCURED TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRELFLIGHT PLANNING.
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