Accident Overview
A pilot operating a single-engine aircraft on a dark night canceled his IFR flight plan and continued under visual flight rules (VFR) at a relatively low altitude over mountainous terrain. The flight encountered low scattered clouds, and the pilot reported seeing a large lighted area that he believed to be downtown El Paso. However, investigation indicated that this area was most likely Coronado Hills, a development on the west side of Franklin Mountain, approximately 4 miles north of the south end of the mountain. The misidentification was probably due to the pilot having just descended from instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) into VFR conditions.
Flight Details
The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. According to a professional acquaintance, the pilot's familiarity with the area and his method of flight operation likely instilled a false sense of security and overconfidence in his personal ability. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain during the cruise phase of flight. The pilot was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings are divided into two occurrences:
Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather
- Phase of operation: cruise - normal
- Findings:
1. In-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command 2. VFR flight into IMC - inadvertent - pilot in command 3. VFR procedures - improper use of - pilot in command 4. Weather condition - clouds 5. Light condition - dark night
Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water
- Phase of operation: cruise - normal
- Findings:
6. Became lost/disoriented - misjudged - pilot in command 7. Overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command 8. Terrain condition - mountainous/hilly