Commander 114B N302RS

Summary

On 30 November 1997 at about 18:10 local time, a Commander 114B registered N302RS was involved in an accident near Cross City, Florida, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 November 1997 at 18:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Cross City, Florida, United States

Coordinates

29.6307, -83.1192

Aircraft

Commander 114B

Registration

N302RS

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Crystal River → Tallahassee

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA98FA040

3 people died.

VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain (tree, ground & water). Related factors were: the adverse weather condition (low clouds/ceiling), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The non-instrument rated pilot received 5 weather briefings before departing on a planned VFR flight to his destination airport. He was informed that VFR flight was not recommended, and was briefed on AIRMET information concerning marginal VFR and turbulence. The pilot departed, and while en route, he reported that he would attempt to remain below clouds at 3,500 feet msl. Later, he descended to 3,300 feet in an attempt to remain VFR. About 15 minutes later, the airplane descended slightly, then climbed to 3,700 feet. After that, the airplane entered a left descending 270 degree turn, then radar contact was lost. Subsequently, the airplane had an in-flight collision with a tree, water, and terrain. There was evidence that initial impact (with the tree) was in a left wing low, descending attitude. About 40 miles east, the Gainesvill, FL, weather was in part: 700 to 900 feet broken, 1,800 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles, wind from 240 degrees at 9 knots. No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the engine or airframe was found. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed he had logged 1.1 hours of dual hooded flight and 1.7 hours of dual instrument flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.