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Non-Instrument Rated Pilot in Instrument Conditions; Airplane Destroyed in Crash and Fire (N6085R)

Union City, OH, US

On October 9, 2005, a Cessna 172RG (registration N6085R) was involved in an aviation accident near Union City, OH. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to perform a preflight weather evaluation which led to his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his spatial disorientation. The low ceilings and the dark night were contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A non-instrument rated private pilot was fatally injured when the airplane impacted terrain and burned. Weather stations reported instrument meteorological conditions with low ceilings and reduced visibility. No evidence of pre-impact failure was found.

Accident

The accident airplane was destroyed when it impacted the ground and subsequently burned. The airplane was being operated by a non-instrument rated private pilot who was fatally injured during the accident.

Preflight Actions

According to available records, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing for the flight. Additionally, no flight plan was filed with air traffic control or any flight service station.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather reporting stations near the accident site recorded instrument meteorological conditions with low ceilings and reduced visibilities.

Aircraft Examination

An on-scene examination of the airplane and its systems did not reveal any evidence of a pre-impact failure.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Oct 2005 Cessna 172RG accident near Union City, OH?

A non-instrument rated private pilot was fatally injured when the airplane impacted terrain and burned. Weather stations reported instrument meteorological conditions with low ceilings and reduced visibility. No evidence of pre-impact failure was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Oct 2005 Cessna 172RG accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Oct 2005 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N6085R, at Union City, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to perform a preflight weather evaluation which led to his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his spatial disorientation. The low ceilings and the dark night were contributing factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051017X01659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.