On January 19, 2000, a Cessna 172 (registration N6445B) was involved in an aviation accident near Tooele, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correct the descent, and his failure to maintain a visual lookout. Factors were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, his lack of recent experience in type of operation, his inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot conducting night takeoffs and landings for recent flight experience encountered fog after departure, attempted a return, and collided with terrain while on downwind leg.
Accident Overview
A pilot intended to perform three takeoffs and landings at night to gain recent flying experience. After assessing the weather as suitable for visual flight rules (VFR), the pilot departed on runway 34. During the initial climb, fog was encountered, prompting a 180-degree turn and a gradual descent.
Flight Details
While on the downwind leg, the pilot observed runway lights when abeam the midfield point. As the aircraft reached a position abeam the threshold of the approach end of the runway, it exited the fog. The descent continued along the downwind leg.
Collision
The airplane subsequently collided with rising terrain at a point where a turn onto the base leg would normally commence. The pilot had reported the purpose of the flight was to obtain recent night flying experience and had determined the weather conditions suitable for VFR flight before takeoff.
What happened in the 19 Jan 2000 Cessna 172 accident near Tooele, UT?
A pilot conducting night takeoffs and landings for recent flight experience encountered fog after departure, attempted a return, and collided with terrain while on downwind leg.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jan 2000 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6445B, at Tooele, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to correct the descent, and his failure to maintain a visual lookout. Factors were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, his lack of recent experience in type of operation, his inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night, fog, and rising terrain.
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