Cessna 172 Crash on Lake Russell, Florida (N5269X)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On December 7, 2009, at 2223 EST, a Cessna 172, registration N5269X, was destroyed after impacting the water of Lake Russell near Kissimmee, Florida. The accident resulted in the fatal injuries of the private pilot and three passengers. The personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, departed from Florida Gateway Airport (ISM) with an intended destination of Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). No flight plan was filed, and instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Security camera footage from the fixed base operator (FBO) showed the pilot and passengers arriving at 2126. The pilot spent approximately eight minutes at a weather computer before the group walked to the aircraft at 2140. A preflight inspection was conducted with a flashlight until 2153, when the engine was started. The aircraft remained stationary with the engine running for about 10 minutes before taxiing out at 2208 with its taxi light illuminated. FBO employees provided written statements that aligned with the video evidence, noting no apparent problems with the pilot, passengers, or the aircraft. ATC recordings from the Orlando facility indicated that the pilot requested a special VFR clearance from ISM to FXE at 2206. ATC issued the clearance at 2208, instructing the pilot to maintain VFR at or below 1,500 feet, with a release time of 2208 and a void time of 2215. The aircraft departed ISM at 2213. At 2222, ATC issued an “on course” clearance, which was acknowledged by the pilot and marked the last transmission. Radar data showed the aircraft making a slight left turn to align with the course to FXE, followed by a right turn of approximately 100 degrees away from the direct track. At 2223, radar placed the aircraft at 2,400 feet MSL. Approximately 12 seconds later, a radar return indicated an altitude of 0 feet.