The non-instrument rated pilot departed on a cross-country flight. When the Cessna 210 was reported overdue by family members, a search was initiated, and the airplane wreckage was located about three miles from a regional airport in Bay City, Wis. The pilot died in the crash.
Witnesses reported seeing an airplane maneuvering near the airport about the time of the accident; one witness reported it was in a steep bank.
That witness reported the weather as “murky” with a low overcast sky and an estimated visibility of three miles; another witness reported there was a light breeze and drizzle.
The automated weather reporting station at the airport recorded a 900-foot overcast ceiling and five miles visibility in mist.
Additionally, weather reports and forecasts along the route of flight included overcast clouds and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.
There was no record of the pilot obtaining a weather briefing for the flight.
It is likely that the pilot entered IFR conditions on approach to the airport, was unable to maintain visual references, and subsequently lost control of the airplane.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident as the non-instrument rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control.
NTSB Identification: CEN15FA027
This October 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Use the old method – have a look at your key ring as to which way the loose keys are hanging.
How about a requirement for all pilots learn and be proficient in a basic emergency procedure published in early Cessna 150 and 172 POH’s re: Inadvertent IMC.
Turn loose of the control wheel, with rudder control establish a standard rate turn on the turn and slip indicator for one minute then level and fly out. If necessary or is at night and losing visual, add power to climb possibly re-establishing visual.
Beats me why people when entering IMC can’t fixate on the attitude gyro (or turn coordinator) and hold the wings level while descending and praying to break out into VMC before hitting the ground or a rock if it be their intent to descend to try and land somewhere. That alone would give them a far greater chance of survival than wandering around responding to their vestibular and backside feelings which are almost always false inputs in IMC.
My sincere condolences to the family for their loss. This accident should never of happened. The chain to break this series of events that lead to this final outcome should have been on the ground by getting a weather brief. This is a cross country flight and we must gather all necessary data to make the decision to go or not go.
Another blemish on GA and the loss of a pilot. The family will have to live with the ‘what if’s” for the rest of their lives.
Let’s be smart out there and stop the accident chains before they take another life.
This is not a blemish on GA anymore than a drunk driver killing someone is a blemish on auto travel.
That’s not the way the media will report it. But then they don’t report anymore, they will tell the public what to think!