Cessna 150K N6401G

Summary

On 2 September 2006 at about 14:15 local time, a Cessna 150K registered N6401G, operated by Rush Bradford, was involved in an accident near Shelby Gap, Kentucky, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 September 2006 at 14:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Shelby Gap, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

Big Sandy Regional Airport (K22)

Coordinates

37.2281, -82.5828

Aircraft

Cessna 150K

Registration

N6401G

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Rush Bradford

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Brasstown → Prestonburg

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC06LA214

1 person died.

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with mountainous terrain. A factor was the low ceiling.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The non-instrument rated private pilot was attempting a cross-country flight, when the airplane impacted mountainous terrain. A witness reported that he heard the airplane circling, but could not see it due to fog. The witness heard the engine continually running, and then heard the sound of impact. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The reported weather near the accident site, about the time of the accident, included an overcast ceiling at 600 feet. There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing from Flight Service. The pilot's most recent FAA medical certificate was issued more than 15 years prior to the accident, and he did not report any medications or abnormal medical history on his application. Toxicological testing indicated the pilot had taken pain medication, and his autopsy report noted evidence of previous coronary artery bypass; however, the report did not support or refute any possible impairment or incapacitation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.