On March 26, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N73436) operated by Central Ohio Flying Assoc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lewisburg, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT AND INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot, not instrument rated, took off in VFR conditions from an elevation of 1,060 ft MSL. During the flight at night, the aircraft encountered ground fog, and despite maneuvering, it collided with terrain at 1,280 ft MSL.
Accident Overview
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed from an airport located at an elevation of 1,060 feet mean sea level (MSL) under visual flight rules (VFR). The local weather at the time reported visibility of 6 to 8 miles and ground fog. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered ground fog.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he attempted to maneuver around the fog but then entered another layer of ground fog. After entering the second layer, he glanced at his instruments and noticed the aircraft was descending. He stated that he began to establish a climb attitude when he saw the terrain directly below. Despite his effort to pull up, the aircraft impacted the ground.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during the hours of darkness at an elevation of 1,280 feet MSL.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Mar 1993 Cessna 172 accident near Lewisburg, OH?
A private pilot, not instrument rated, took off in VFR conditions from an elevation of 1,060 ft MSL. During the flight at night, the aircraft encountered ground fog, and despite maneuvering, it collided with terrain at 1,280 ft MSL.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N73436, operated by Central Ohio Flying Assoc., at Lewisburg, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT AND INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.