Accident Details
At about 2241 eastern daylight time on May 3, 2018, a Cessna 152, registration N6198Q, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain near Tamiami, Florida. The private pilot, who was not instrument rated, and a pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The airplane departed Miami Executive Airport (TMB) in Miami, Florida, around 1700 for a local flight and was expected to return before dark, approximately 1900. The pilots flew to Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida, where they refueled, and then departed on the return flight in night conditions. During the flight, they encountered instrument meteorological conditions and lost control of the airplane. The airplane entered a spin, from which the pilots recovered, then entered a second spin. After recovering from the second spin, the airplane collided with terrain. The operator reported that company policy precluded pilots from flying at night without explicit permission from the chief or assistant chief pilot; the accident pilots did not obtain such approval.
Weather Information
The 2153 weather observation at the destination airport, located about 11 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind from 130° at 8 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 1,800 ft above ground level (agl), and scattered clouds at 25,000 ft agl. The next observation at 2253 indicated few clouds at 1,800 and 3,300 ft agl and scattered clouds at 25,000 ft agl. Satellite imagery depicted a cloudy area near and over the accident location. It could not be determined whether the pilots obtained weather information before departing.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.