On November 15, 1992, a Cessna 177B (registration N34664) operated by Litco Brokers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near War, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: VFR FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND THE PILOT ALLOWING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT TO BE EXCEEDED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot and two passengers departed at night without a weather briefing, encountered low clouds and heavy snowfall over mountainous terrain, resulting in an in-flight breakup and impact.
Accident Overview
During a night flight, a student pilot and two passengers departed from an airport. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing prior to departure. The flight proceeded over mountainous terrain and encountered low clouds and heavy snowfall.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing the airplane overhead but could not see it until it descended out of the clouds in a twisting motion.
Wreckage and Scene
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing had separated in flight due to positive bending. Subsequently, the rudder also separated. The remainder of the airplane impacted terrain approximately 1,000 feet from the location of the left wing.
Mechanical Findings
No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found with the airframe or engine.
Pilot Background
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and had not obtained flight training specific to that aircraft.