ATL05CA092

According to the pilot, when he departed his departure airport for his short cross-country flight he requested to fly visual flight rules on top due to the low visibility. Upon arriving at the destination airport, the pilot discovered that there was a cloud layer over the airport. He looked for an opening in the clouds so that he could begin his descent. During the descent through the clouds the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions. As the flight descended through the clouds, the airplane collided with the ground. The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident. The nearest weather reporting facility Crossville Memorial Airport reported: scattered clouds at 1000 feet, overcast at 1700 feet, and seven miles visibility.

On June 3, 2005, at 1430 central daylight time, a Cessna 172K, N1202V, registered to and operated by a private pilot collided with the ground during an in-flight encounter with weather. The personal flight was conducted under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot reported minor injuries. The flight departed Scott Municipal Airport, Oneida, Tennessee on June 3, 2005 at 1400.

According to the pilot, when he departed his departure airport for his short cross-country flight he requested to fly VFR on top due to the low visibility. On arrival to his destination airport there was a cloud layer over the airport. He looked for an opening in the clouds so that he could begin his descent. He saw an opening and initiated his final descent to his destination airport. During the descent through the clouds the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn in 0-visibility, became disorientated, and the airplane collided with trees. The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.

Examination of the wreckage site revealed the downed airplane was located at an elevation 2627 feet on the side of a mountain in Frozen Head State Park. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed the nose of the airplane was crush and distorted aft. Post accident examination of the cabin section revealed it was crushed. Post accident examination the fuselage and empennage sections revealed they were buckled. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers were separated from the fuselage. The left wing was separated from the wing root, and was buckled and distorted aft. The aileron and flap were still attached to the left wing assembly. Post examination of the right wing assembly revealed that the carry through and wing assembly was separated from the fuselage. The right wing revealed leading edge accordion crush damage. The flap and aileron were still connected to the wing assembly. Post examination of the engine revealed valve train continuity was established. The nearest weather reporting facility Crossville Memorial Airport reported: scattered clouds at 1000 feet, overcast at 1700 feet, and seven miles visibility.