On October 17, 1993, a Mooney M20B (registration N74724) operated by Quearry, Carlos G. was involved in an aviation accident near Bethpage, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE A PREFLIGHT BRIEFING SERVICE, AND THE LOW CEILINGS AND FOG AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private, non-instrument rated pilot crashed during a cross-country flight in low ceilings and fog. Witnesses reported the aircraft at low altitude before the crash. No mechanical failure was found, and the pilot had not received a weather briefing or filed a flight plan.
Accident Overview
A private pilot who was not instrument rated was conducting a cross-country flight when the accident occurred. The area was covered by low ceilings and fog at the time of the crash.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that the aircraft flew overhead at low altitude and then returned a short time later. The engine sound was indicative of high RPM, followed immediately by the sound of a crash.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was located in a pasture bordered by trees. Impact damage was indicative of a steep, approximately 56-degree, nose-low collision with trees and terrain. Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.
Pilot Actions
A search of flight service station records revealed that the pilot did not receive a weather briefing prior to the flight and no flight plan was filed.