Cessna 182 N8683T

Summary

On 7 December 1996 at about 22:57 local time, a Cessna 182 registered N8683T, operated by David L. Hodge, was involved in an accident near Charleston, South Carolina, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 December 1996 at 22:57

Classification

Accident

Location

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Georgetown County (GGE)

Coordinates

32.7801, -79.9300

Aircraft

Cessna 182

Registration

N8683T

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

David L. Hodge

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Georgetown → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL97FA092

2 people died.

The noninstrument-rated pilot's failure to remain clear of instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight was a local search and rescue mission that departed from Georgetown, SC in visual meteorological conditions. According to FSS personnel, the pilot did not receive a weather briefing or file a flight plan. While in contact with Charleston Approach Control, the pilot reported instrument conditions and requested assistance. The air traffic controllers gave him a number of different headings in order to remain clear of the instrument conditions. After the pilot advised that he had less than 30 minutes of fuel left on board, the controller advised the pilot to fly, wings level, through the clouds for 10 miles in order to reach the nearest airport. While in the clouds, the pilot stated, 'What's happening to me'. At 1756:38, radio and radar contact was lost about 28 miles southeast of Charleston, SC. The airplane was found 3/6/97 but it was not recovered. The noninstrument-rated private pilot and his passenger are presumed to have received fatal injuries.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.