On March 31, 2003, a Cessna 172P (registration CGIKO) was involved in an aviation accident near Shenandoah, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent encounter with snow showers. Factors were the snow and the unsuitable landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-instrument rated pilot performed a precautionary landing after encountering snow showers and low visibility. During landing, the landing gear struck mud, and the airplane came to rest inverted.
Incident Details
A non-instrument rated pilot was flying in cruise at 4,500 feet mean sea level when he encountered snow showers. He attempted to divert to an airport but could not locate it. As forward visibility continued to decrease, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing to a field. During the landing, the landing gear struck mud, and the airplane came to rest inverted.
Weather and Flight Planning
Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a standard weather briefing from an FAA automated flight service station. The briefing did not include any forecasted snow showers for the area in which the pilot was flying.
What happened in the 31 Mar 2003 Cessna 172P accident near Shenandoah, VA?
A non-instrument rated pilot performed a precautionary landing after encountering snow showers and low visibility. During landing, the landing gear struck mud, and the airplane came to rest inverted.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 2003 Cessna 172P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172P, registration CGIKO, at Shenandoah, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent encounter with snow showers. Factors were the snow and the unsuitable landing area.
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