Casualties unknown

Scheduled Passenger Flight Crashes Without Flight Plan During Thunderstorms (N2714A)

Clewiston, FL, US

On January 24, 1992, a Cessna 402-C (registration N2714A) operated by Air Sunshine Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO DESCEND AND REMAIN IN VFR CONDITIONS IN AN AREA OF THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A scheduled passenger flight departed without a flight plan and was last heard from while descending to maintain VFR conditions. Witnesses reported heavy rain and thunderstorms. The wreckage was found the next day with evidence of a steep, high-speed impact.

Incident Overview

A scheduled passenger flight experienced an accident after departing without a flight plan. The flight was last heard from while descending in an attempt to remain in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. Witnesses on the ground reported extremely heavy rain and thunderstorms occurring at the time of the accident.

Wreckage and Impact

The wreckage was located the following day. Evidence from the crash site indicated that the airplane struck the ground in a 50-degree nose-down attitude at a high rate of speed. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the initial investigation findings.

Circumstances

The flight departed without a flight plan, and communication was lost during the descent. The weather conditions at the time included heavy precipitation and thunderstorm activity, as reported by ground witnesses.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14026. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.