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Private Pilot Reports Difficulty During Instrument Approach Before Aircraft Descends From Clouds (N9319C)

Phenix City, AL, US

On December 21, 1992, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N9319C) operated by Araguel, Charlotte L. was involved in an aviation accident near Phenix City, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOTS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A recently instrument-rated private pilot, after a missed approach, reported being in serious trouble during a second approach attempt. The aircraft then disappeared from radar, and witnesses saw it descend from clouds nose-down with a steep left bank. No mechanical or instrumentation malfunctions were found.

Background

The private pilot had obtained her instrument rating three months prior to the accident. The first instrument landing system (ILS) approach into the airport resulted in a missed approach.

Flight Sequence

During a subsequent approach, just prior to reaching the outer marker, the pilot was given a frequency change. She replied that she was in serious trouble. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared from radar, and no further radio transmissions were made by the pilot.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the aircraft descended out of the base of the clouds in a nose-down attitude with a steep left bank.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical or instrumentation malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 1992 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Phenix City, AL?

A recently instrument-rated private pilot, after a missed approach, reported being in serious trouble during a second approach attempt. The aircraft then disappeared from radar, and witnesses saw it descend from clouds nose-down with a steep left bank. No mechanical or instrumentation malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 1992 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N9319C, operated by Araguel, Charlotte L., at Phenix City, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOTS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16116. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.