Cessna 320E Collision with Terrain in San Marcos, Texas (N10PM)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On November 1, 2012, at approximately 0605 central daylight time, a Cessna 320E airplane, registration N10PM, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from San Marcos Municipal Airport (KHYI) in San Marcos, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at KHYI and was destined for Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (KDIK) in Dickinson, North Dakota. An employee from the local fixed base operator (FBO) observed the pilot preflight the aircraft, pulled it from a hangar, and provided directions to runway 17. Due to fog at the airport, the employee could not see the aircraft taxi to the runway but heard the crash shortly after. The pilot had intended to fly from San Marcos, Texas, to Dickinson, North Dakota, on the same day, though the locations and number of intended fuel stops were unknown.