On September 24, 1995, a Cessna 310P (registration N5926M) was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the non-instrument rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. The weather was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft emerged from 200-foot overcast clouds in a right bank, nose-down attitude, continuing until impact. The pilot was reported as not proficient, relying on autopilot, and had a history of heart surgeries without a valid FAA medical certificate.
Incident Overview
Witnesses observed the aircraft as it exited the base of the clouds in a right bank, nose-down attitude. The aircraft maintained this attitude until impacting the terrain. At the time, the weather in the area was reported as 200 feet overcast.
Pilot Background
According to the pilot's son, his father was not proficient in operating the aircraft and relied on the autopilot to fly. The son also stated that his father had undergone open heart surgery in 1978 and again in 1990, and was unable to obtain an FAA Medical Certificate.
Weather Conditions
The sky condition was overcast with a ceiling of approximately 200 feet above ground level.
Aircraft Attitude
The aircraft was observed in a right bank with the nose down as it descended from the clouds, and it remained in that configuration until impact.