What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-05-27 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N8287G, at Pauma Valley, CA.

Pilot Intentionally Enters Cloud During VFR Descent, Strikes Mountainous Terrain (N8287G)

On May 27, 2001, a Cessna 177RG (registration N8287G) was involved in an aviation accident near Pauma Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an approach for landing under visual flight rules. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An instrument-rated pilot descended in VFR conditions and intentionally flew into a cloud expecting brief passage. The cloud was larger than anticipated, leading to continued descent and impact with mountainous terrain.

Incident Overview

An instrument-rated pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) descent on the extended downwind leg for landing at the destination airport. The pilot observed what appeared to be an isolated, "puffy" cloud and intentionally flew into its top, expecting to remain in the cloud briefly and then see the runway on the other side.

Unanticipated Cloud Extent

The cloud proved more expansive than the pilot anticipated. The airplane continued descending while inside the cloud for a period of time. Eventually, the pilot saw vegetation on a mountainside a short distance ahead.

Evasive Action and Impact

The pilot took evasive action, but the airplane impacted upsloping mountainous terrain. After impact, the aircraft slid to a stop through heavy sagebrush.

Pilot Background

The pilot held an instrument rating and was flying under VFR conditions at the time of the incident. No further details about the flight or pilot were provided in the source.

2001-05-27: Cessna 177RG (N8287G) — Pauma Valley, CA