On August 15, 1998, a North American NAVION (registration N8820H) was involved in an aviation accident near Salinas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's attempt to continue visual flight operations into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in controlled flight into rising terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated private pilot, cleared for SVFR takeoff in low ceilings, flew north into rising terrain. Despite weather warnings, the aircraft impacted a hillside at 470 ft MSL. No mechanical issues found; pilot lacked current BFR.
Accident Overview
A private pilot who did not hold an instrument rating received clearance for takeoff under special visual flight rules (SVFR) for a northbound departure. Weather conditions at the departure airport included a ceiling of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) with visibility of 5 miles. After departing, the pilot communicated that he was clear of the Class D airspace. The controller advised the pilot that he could remain on the frequency if he needed to contact the tower due to weather, as the pilot had earlier been informed that conditions to the north of the airport were lower.
A witness reported seeing a northbound aircraft flying beneath the cloud layer at an estimated altitude of 200 feet AGL. The controller then attempted to reach the pilot but received no response. While trying to reestablish communication, the tower operator detected an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal. Emergency personnel found the aircraft on the southern slope of rising terrain north of the airport. The airplane had struck the hillside at an elevation of 470 feet above mean sea level.
Investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures. The pilot did not possess a current biennial flight review (BFR) at the time of the accident. No probable cause was stated in the investigation report.