Incident Overview
A Cessna 172 carrying three people disappeared from radar during a night flight after the pilot reported problems with the artificial horizon. The aircraft had departed as part of a three-airplane group for a return trip following a dinner outing.
Background and Pre-Flight
The pilot/owner had been invited to fly and have dinner with two other pilots. He was initially hesitant to fly due to a nonfunctioning artificial horizon and a landing light problem. According to witnesses, a CFI-rated passenger encouraged him to go, stating that he wanted to come along but lacked room in the other airplanes. The flight to the destination airport in daylight proceeded without incident.
Departure and In-Flight Communication
The three pilots coordinated a night departure, arranging for the fastest airplane to take off first, followed by the two slower ones. The pilot/owner of the Cessna 172, with the CFI-rated passenger in the front seat and his wife in a rear seat, departed as the third airplane. Approximately 5 to 10 miles separated the aircraft. The pilots communicated with each other during the flight.
The lead pilot announced that he had encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and intended to fly an instrument approach. He instructed the other pilots to deviate south to remain in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. The second pilot complied and radioed the third aircraft. The CFI in the third airplane responded that they would deviate south but had lost their artificial horizon and were experiencing problems. The second pilot recommended switching to approach control for assistance.
Loss of Radar Contact
The CFI's voice was recorded on the approach controller's frequency, stating that he was having problems and had lost the artificial horizon. Within minutes of initial contact, the airplane disappeared from the radar scope.
Aftermath
The wreckage of the Cessna 172 was located the following morning. No further details were provided in the initial report.