On January 23, 1992, a Cessna 402 (registration N2714A) operated by Air Sunshine (USA) was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot-in-command's improper inflight decision to attempt to descend and remain in VFR conditions in an area of thunderstorms and heavy rain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's loss of control in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A scheduled passenger flight without a flight plan crashed after attempting to descend to remain in VFR conditions amid heavy rain and thunderstorms. Both occupants were killed. Wreckage showed a high-speed, 50° nose-down impact.
Accident Overview
A scheduled passenger flight departed without filing a flight plan. The aircraft was last heard from while descending in an attempt to remain in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
Witnesses on the ground reported extremely heavy rain and thunderstorms at the time of the accident. The wreckage was located the following day. Evidence indicated that the airplane struck the ground in a 50° nose-down attitude at a high rate of speed.
Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause was the pilot-in-command's improper inflight decision to attempt to descend and remain in VFR conditions in an area of thunderstorms and heavy rain. A contributing factor was the pilot-in-command's loss of control in flight.
What happened in the 23 Jan 1992 Cessna 402 accident near Clewiston, United States of America?
A scheduled passenger flight without a flight plan crashed after attempting to descend to remain in VFR conditions amid heavy rain and thunderstorms. Both occupants were killed. Wreckage showed a high-speed, 50° nose-down impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 1992 Cessna 402 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jan 1992 involved a Cessna 402, registration N2714A, operated by Air Sunshine (USA), at Clewiston, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Pilot-in-command's improper inflight decision to attempt to descend and remain in VFR conditions in an area of thunderstorms and heavy rain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's loss of control in flight.
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