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Casualties unknown

1994-05-17: Bellanca 7GCBC (N36236) — Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg, WV, US

On May 17, 1994, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N36236) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewisburg, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION, INADVERTENT VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE WHICH RESULTED IN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. A FACTOR WAS INADEQUATE ALTITUDE. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, seeking to avoid forecasted weather, flew a non-instrument-equipped airplane into fog, landing twice to wait for clearing. On a third attempt, while turning back, the airplane struck trees.

Background

According to the pilot, he decided to depart a day early due to forecasted weather along his intended route. The airplane was not equipped for instrument flight.

Flight Events

Approximately two hours after departure, the pilot encountered fog and elected to land, refuel, and wait for weather to clear. After waiting about 1.5 hours, he took off and again encountered fog, turning back to land at the same airport. He waited several hours on the ground, checked weather, and took off again. After several more minutes of flight, he again encountered fog.

Collision with Trees

The pilot wrote in his statement, "...told (passenger) looks like weather is getting [bad]...[and] we were returning to [home airport]...I made a 180 degree turn, was setting my LORAN...when encountered fog, next thing I saw was trees...." The airplane impacted trees and came to rest with the engine resting on a rock and still running.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01371. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.