On March 31, 1997, a Cessna P210N (registration N3894P) was involved in an aviation accident near Corona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime flight at low altitude through a mountainous area. Factors in the accident were the conditions of low clouds and dark light conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A VFR flight struck mountainous terrain at night, impacting with the right wing and fuselage side first. Weather stations reported cloud layers at and above site elevation; no mechanical issues were found.
Accident Overview
A pilot operating under visual flight rules (VFR) collided with mountainous terrain during dark night conditions. The accident site was located in a pass through which a major interstate highway traverses. The highway was positioned on the left (pilot's side) of the aircraft, while high intervening terrain rose on the right side. The airplane struck sloping terrain with its right wing and right side of the fuselage first.
Weather Conditions
Weather observation stations surrounding the accident site reported cloud layers at and above the accident site elevation. No further details about visibility or wind were provided in the source.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The aircraft's systems and structure appeared to have functioned normally prior to impact.
Remarks
The source did not state a probable cause for the accident. The investigation focused on the circumstances of the collision but offered no conclusions regarding causal factors.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Mar 1997 Cessna P210N accident near Corona, CA?
A VFR flight struck mountainous terrain at night, impacting with the right wing and fuselage side first. Weather stations reported cloud layers at and above site elevation; no mechanical issues were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N3894P, at Corona, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime flight at low altitude through a mountainous area. Factors in the accident were the conditions of low clouds and dark light conditions.
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