Accident Flight
On January 16, 2011, about 2000 central standard time, a Cessna 172A (registration N7262T) was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain one mile east of Smiley Johnson Municipal/Bass Field (E34), Clarendon, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The cross-country flight originated at Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), Abilene, Texas, around 1820, and was en route to E34.
Wreckage and Impact
The pilot did not return as scheduled, causing family concern. The FAA issued an ALNOT on January 16 at 2345. The wreckage was found on January 17 about 0900. The pilot, still strapped in the overturned airplane, was transported to a hospital with a fractured leg and other unspecified injuries.
Pilot Statements
In hospital and follow-up interviews, the pilot stated he had full fuel and received a weather briefing before departing Abilene. En route weather was good. It was dark upon arrival at Clarendon. He saw the airport's rotating beacon but could not activate the runway lights. He turned downwind for landing, lowered flaps, and reduced power. He believed he was 900 feet above the ground when the airplane impacted terrain approximately 2-1/2 miles east of the airport. A FAA inspector reported the airplane's altimeter indicated 7,500 feet; terrain at the accident site was about 2,800 feet msl. No other anomalies were found. The pilot was asked multiple times to complete an NTSB Form 6120.1-2 but refused.
Altimeter Discrepancy
The altimeter reading of 7,500 feet contrasted with the terrain elevation of 2,800 feet msl, indicating a possible misreading or malfunction, though no mechanical issues were identified.
Pilot Non-Compliance
The pilot refused to submit the required accident report form.