On February 14, 1992, a Cessna 180 (registration N2788X) operated by Sheldon, Robert J. was involved in an aviation accident near Shishmaref, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE NON-INSTRUMENTED RATED PILOT-IN-COMMAND ATTEMPTED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG, THE ICING CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot encountered fog immediately after takeoff. The aircraft exited fog 30 seconds later heading opposite direction at low altitude in a slight left turn before impacting ground. Ice was observed on wings and stabilizer. Pilot had scraped ice before flight.
Accident Overview
An aircraft on a visual flight with a non-instrument rated pilot at the controls entered fog immediately after becoming airborne. Approximately 30 seconds later, the aircraft was observed exiting the fog heading in the opposite direction at a very low altitude and in a slight left turn before impacting the ground.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observing system (AWOS) recorded conditions at 1815 hours: partial obscuration, a ceiling of 200 feet overcast, and visibility of 2 miles.
Post-Accident Observations
Personnel who arrived at the scene immediately after the occurrence reported seeing the aircraft's wings and horizontal stabilizer glazed over with ice. Prior to commencing the flight, the pilot reportedly scraped ice off of the aircraft's propeller and wings.
What happened in the 14 Feb 1992 Cessna 180 accident near Shishmaref, AK?
A non-instrument rated pilot encountered fog immediately after takeoff. The aircraft exited fog 30 seconds later heading opposite direction at low altitude in a slight left turn before impacting ground. Ice was observed on wings and stabilizer. Pilot had scraped ice before flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Feb 1992 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2788X, operated by Sheldon, Robert J., at Shishmaref, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE NON-INSTRUMENTED RATED PILOT-IN-COMMAND ATTEMPTED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FOG, THE ICING CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY.
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