Casualties unknown

2003-03-01: Cessna 152 (N67524) — Curtis Merriweiter — Greenwood, SC

Greenwood, SC, US

On March 1, 2003, a Cessna 152 (registration N67524) operated by Curtis Merriweiter was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and loss of aircraft control, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise flight, a non-instrument rated pilot encountered clouds, descended, requested ATC assistance, became disoriented during a 180-degree turn, and collided with the ground. No mechanical failures or flight control malfunctions were reported.

Incident Narrative

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during a cruise flight at an altitude of 2,000 feet. The airplane entered clouds, prompting the pilot to descend to 1,200 feet. The pilot subsequently requested assistance from air traffic control, which cleared the pilot to initiate a 180-degree turn. While executing the turn, the pilot reported becoming disoriented and subsequently collided with the ground.

Pilot and Aircraft Information

The pilot was not instrument rated. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported by the pilot. Specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, and location were not provided in the source.

Post-Accident Findings

The investigation did not identify any mechanical or flight control anomalies. The primary circumstances involve the pilot's encounter with clouds and subsequent disorientation during a turning maneuver. No further causal factors were explicitly stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030304X00279. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.