What happened
During an approach into Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston Salem, North Carolina, the pilot declared an emergency because of disorientation and performed a missed approach. Following two unsuccessful landing attempts at Smith Reynolds Airport, the pilot diverted to Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU). While en route to RDU, concerns regarding the aircraft's fuel supply led the pilot to divert again, this time to Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.
While being radar vectored for runway 23, localizer radar contact was lost. The Cessna (type not specified in source) subsequently collided with the ground. At the time of the accident, weather observations at Piedmont Triad International Airport reported winds from 040 degrees at 7 knots, visibility of one-half statute mile in mist, and a 100 percent overcast ceiling. The temperature was 11 degrees Celsius with a dew point of 11 degrees Celsius.
The investigation
The wreckage was located in a heavily wooded and swampy area near the outer marker. The main fuselage was found buried in approximately 10 feet of mud and water in a nose-down attitude, with the horizontal and vertical stabilizers protruding above the ground surface. The accident site measured approximately 25 feet in diameter, and all flight control surfaces were recovered at the site. The pilot had not reported any mechanical abnormalities or issues with flight controls prior to the crash.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the ground following a loss of radar contact during a radar vector approach.
- Low visibility conditions, characterized by mist and low ceilings, were present at the time of the accident.
Safety message
According to Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular #60-4A, pilots are particularly vulnerable to spatial disorientation during periods of low visibility.