Summary
On November 22, 1997, a Cessna 182P (N45834) was involved in an accident near Opa Locka, FL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain clearance above the ground while attempting a VFR approach to an airport with low clouds. The low clouds (ceiling) and condition of light at dusk were related factors.
On November 22, 1997, about 1815 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182P, N45834, collided with the ground during cruise flight near Opa Locka, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for this personal flight. The private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Placid Lakes Airport, Lake Placid, Florida at 1730.
According to the pilot, he was flying to Opa Locka, over the Everglades, in "less than ideal conditions". It was dark outside and he was unable to tell where the ground ended and the sky began. As he approached the airport, he saw some "low clouds" in front of the airport.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ATL98LA013. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N45834.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain clearance above the ground while attempting a VFR approach to an airport with low clouds. The low clouds (ceiling) and condition of light at dusk were related factors.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 22, 1997, about 1815 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182P, N45834, collided with the ground during cruise flight near Opa Locka, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for this personal flight. The private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Placid Lakes Airport, Lake Placid, Florida at 1730.
According to the pilot, he was flying to Opa Locka, over the Everglades, in "less than ideal conditions". It was dark outside and he was unable to tell where the ground ended and the sky began. As he approached the airport, he saw some "low clouds" in front of the airport. He started to descend to go under the clouds, and struck the ground. His last altimeter reading was 600 feet. According to the pilot, the altimeter was set before takeoff.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL98LA013