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Casualties unknown

1992-02-13: Cessna 152 (N89071) — Register Aviation — Macon, GA

Macon, GA, US

On February 13, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N89071) operated by Register Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ATTEMPT A PRECAUTIONARY OFF AIRPORT LANDING WHEN NO EMERGENCY EXISTED. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG AND LOW CEILINGS IN THE AREA AT THE TIME. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After completing instrument training, an instructor pilot attempted to return to his departure airport but low ceilings and fog prevented landing. Proceeding to his alternate, he observed a field below and landed there, despite no emergency. When asked why, he replied he did not know.

Flight Details

According to the instructor pilot, after finishing instrument training in the local area, he attempted to return to his departure airport. The approach was unsuccessful due to low ceilings and fog in the area. He then elected to proceed to his alternate airport.

Decision to Land in Field

While executing an approach into the alternate airport, the instructor pilot observed a field below the aircraft. He elected to attempt a landing in the field because he did not believe the approach into the alternate airport would be successful due to the low ceilings and fog.

Post-Landing Interview

When asked by the FAA inspector why he attempted the off-airport landing when no emergency existed, the instructor pilot replied, 'He did not know.'

Related events

Same aircraft family

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14070. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.