On February 2, 2007, a Cessna 172K (registration N7109G) operated by Larry John Masters was involved in an aviation accident near Bessemer, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane impacted terrain at a 45-degree angle in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot was not instrument rated and had not filed a flight plan. Wreckage showed no mechanical failure.
Accident Details
Radar tracking data indicated the airplane was flying south at an altitude of 1,100 feet above mean sea level, transmitting a visual flight rules transponder code of 1200. The aircraft subsequently impacted heavily wooded terrain at a 45-degree nose-down angle. The elevation at the impact site was 644 feet mean sea level.
Meteorological Conditions
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan and was not instrument rated.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Feb 2007 Cessna 172K accident near Bessemer, AL?
An airplane impacted terrain at a 45-degree angle in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot was not instrument rated and had not filed a flight plan. Wreckage showed no mechanical failure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Feb 2007 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N7109G, operated by Larry John Masters, at Bessemer, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
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