On November 8, 1992, a Cessna 310R (registration N711RG) operated by Rader Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Summersville, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE ALTITUDE (OR CLEARANCE) FROM MOUNTAINOUS HILLY TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE DARKNESS, LOW CLOUDS, AND LIGHT SNOW. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot canceled IFR flight plan during night visual approach, descended, lost radar contact, and collided with rising terrain. Post-accident exam found no airframe or engine anomalies; flaps retracted, gear stowed. Light snow and low clouds present.
Accident Overview
The aircraft was approaching its flight-planned destination at night when the pilot announced an intention to land via a visual approach. He canceled his IFR flight plan approximately 5 miles west-southwest of the airport and initiated a descent. Radar contact was lost as the aircraft passed south of the airport on an east-southeasterly heading, having descended to about 3,000 feet MSL. Traveling an additional 3.5 miles, the airplane collided with rising terrain at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. The crash site was located about 8 miles south-southeast of the airport. Wreckage was dispersed over a distance of roughly 512 feet through trees along a heading of 122 degrees.
Examination Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed that the flaps were fully retracted and the landing gear was stowed. No anomalies were found in the airframe or engine. All propeller blades exhibited torsional damage. A pathological examination of the pilot disclosed no medical condition that would have caused the accident.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, light snow was falling and low clouds were present in the area.