What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-12-29 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N1527H, at Van Horn, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT EXCEEDED THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER A LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH RESULTED FROM VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER, THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, AND HIS FAILURE TO UPDATE HIS WEATHER BRIEFING.

Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Loses Control in Mountain Weather (N1527H)

On December 29, 1993, a Cessna 177RG (registration N1527H) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Horn, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT EXCEEDED THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER A LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH RESULTED FROM VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A private pilot on a day VFR cross-country flight encountered low ceilings, fog, and turbulence over mountains. Control was lost, the aircraft broke up in flight, and wreckage scattered over 2,263 feet.

Accident Overview

A non-instrument rated private pilot was conducting a day visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. While approaching the destination, the pilot encountered low ceilings, fog, and turbulence over mountainous terrain within 100 miles of the destination.

Loss of Control and Impact

The pilot lost control of the airplane, which then descended out of control and broke up in flight before impacting the mountainous terrain. The wreckage was spread over a distance of 2,263 feet on a heading of 030 degrees.

Weather Information

A weather briefing received approximately five hours before the accident did not include the adverse conditions encountered. Later, at around 1400, the pilot was informed of weather conditions at the Van Horn airport via UNICOM.

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved the pilot continuing towards the destination after encountering deteriorating weather, leading to a loss of control and in-flight breakup. No probable cause was stated in the source.

1993-12-29: Cessna 177RG (N1527H) — Van Horn, TX