Controlled Flight Into Terrain · NTSB WPR12FA136
CESSNA 150L — Goble, OR
| Date | March 15, 2012 |
| Location | Goble, OR |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 150L |
| Purpose of flight | Instructional |
| Conditions | Day · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 47 |
| Pilot total time | 650 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The flight instructor's decision to continue flight into the area of reduced visibility and the pilots’ subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the hilly terrain while operating in an area of low ceilings, rain, and fog.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Instructor/check pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-(general)-Pilot - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low ceiling-Effect on operation
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Fog-Effect on operation
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Effect on operation
What happened
The dual instructional flight was operated in an area where light rain, fog, and overcast ceilings were present. As the flight proceeded, it entered a hilly area with steady rain, low ceilings, and dense ground fog that extended to above tree height. While maneuvering in that area, the pilots did not maintain sufficient altitude, and the airplane impacted a tree that was likely hard to see because of the reduced visibility. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.