On March 20, 1994, a Cessna 206 (registration N5222U) operated by Action Medical Service was involved in an aviation accident near Show Low, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's intentional VFR flight into known adverse IMC weather conditions. Inadequate preflight planning, dark night operations, and weather conditions that included low ceilings and mountain obscuration were factors in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot on a personal VFR night cross-country flight departed despite a weather briefing that recommended against VFR. The aircraft did not reach its destination and was found two days later approximately 9 miles east of the destination airport.
Incident Summary
A pilot conducted a personal cross-country flight under visual flight rules (VFR) at night, with the route heading toward mountainous terrain. The pilot had received a weather briefing that stated VFR flight was not recommended. According to the briefing, conditions at the destination included rain, low ceilings, low visibility, icing conditions, and mountain obscuration. The pilot departed approximately one and a half hours after the briefing. The aircraft did not arrive at its intended destination. After being reported overdue, the aircraft was located two days later about nine miles east of the destination airport. The pilot did not hold a current instrument rating, and the aircraft was not certificated for instrument flight.
What happened in the 20 Mar 1994 Cessna 206 accident near Show Low, AZ?
A pilot on a personal VFR night cross-country flight departed despite a weather briefing that recommended against VFR. The aircraft did not reach its destination and was found two days later approximately 9 miles east of the destination airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 206, registration N5222U, operated by Action Medical Service, at Show Low, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's intentional VFR flight into known adverse IMC weather conditions. Inadequate preflight planning, dark night operations, and weather conditions that included low ceilings and mountain obscuration were factors in the accident.
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