On March 17, 1995, a Cessna 337F (registration N1842M) was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO AVOID A THUNDERSTORM. THE THUNDERSTORM WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane in cruise flight broke up in flight and crashed into an orange grove near Vero Beach during heavy rain, after the pilot was informed of thunderstorms and deviated from his assigned clearance.
Flight and Communication
The airplane was in cruise flight on a north heading when air traffic control relayed SIGMET information about thunderstorms in the area. The pilot requested a deviation from the assigned clearance, and ATC suggested a northwest heading, which the pilot accepted. Radar tracking ended at 0925, and no further communications between the pilot and ATC were recorded.
Witness Account
A witness observed the airplane crashing into an orange grove near Vero Beach during a period of heavy rain. The witness described the aircraft breaking up while still in the air before impacting the ground.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation confirmed that the airplane broke up in flight.
What happened in the 17 Mar 1995 Cessna 337F accident near Vero Beach, FL?
An airplane in cruise flight broke up in flight and crashed into an orange grove near Vero Beach during heavy rain, after the pilot was informed of thunderstorms and deviated from his assigned clearance.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna 337F, registration N1842M, at Vero Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO AVOID A THUNDERSTORM. THE THUNDERSTORM WAS A FACTOR.
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