Cessna 172K crashes into terrain during visual flight in Mato Grosso do Sul

Casualties unknown • PONTA PORÃ, MS, BR

A Cessna 172K crashed into an elevation near the Apa River, resulting in three fatalities after the pilot attempted to maintain visual conditions in heavy fog.

What happened

On March 23, 1996, at approximately 17:30 local time, a Cessna 172K, registration PT-DJG, crashed into an elevation near the headwaters of the Apa River in Antônio João, Mato Grosso do Sul. The aircraft had departed from Porto Murtinho without a flight plan, carrying the pilot and two passengers, with the intended destination being Dourados.

During the flight, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. Meteorological reports from nearby Ponta Porã indicated heavy fog and extremely low visibility, with ceilings as low as 100 feet. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude shortly before the impact. The aircraft struck trees with its wings level before hitting the ground at a slight nose-down angle. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to descend to a low altitude in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the terrain during periods of heavy fog and low visibility, combined with a lack of adequate flight planning and insufficient equipment for instrument flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-03-23 aircraft accident near PONTA PORÃ, MS, BR?

A Cessna 172K crashed into an elevation near the Apa River, resulting in three fatalities after the pilot attempted to maintain visual conditions in heavy fog.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-03-23 involved a aircraft, registration PTDJG, at PONTA PORÃ, MS, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to descend to a low altitude in an attempt to maintain visual contact with the terrain during periods of heavy fog and low visibility, combined with a lack of adequate flight planning and insufficient equipment for instrument flight.

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