Undetermined · NTSB ERA15FA204

CESSNA 182 — Mulberry, TN

1 fatal Low-time pilot
DateMay 3, 2015
LocationMulberry, TN
AircraftCESSNA 182
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceUnknown Unknown or undetermined
Pilot age45
Pilot total time200 hrs · Low time
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recover from a controlled descent for reasons that could not be determined during the postaccident investigation.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

What happened

The pilot departed for a short pleasure flight in day visual flying conditions. According to GPS data, after takeoff, the airplane headed west toward an area of open farmland. About 20 minutes into the flight, the airplane was still on a westerly heading about 700 ft above the ground when it entered a controlled descent from which it never recovered. There were no witnesses to the accident, and the airplane wreckage was located the following morning. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation. No medical issues were identified with the pilot that may have contributed to the accident. Based on the evidence obtained in the investigation, it could not be determined why the airplane entered a controlled descent or why the pilot was unable to recover before impacting terrain.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →