# NTSB ATL89FA061: Cessna 210B, N210RW, Mt Airy, NC, December 24, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 24, 1988, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Mt Airy, NC
- Location: 36.5085° N, 80.6145° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Mount Airy, NC, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5085&lon=-80.6145&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 16, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7870
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89FA061
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7870/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA061

## Probable cause

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE DESTINATION AIRPORT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO AVOID THE TERRAIN IN THE AREA. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT' OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY AND PRESSURE FROM HIS PASSENGER TO COMPLETE THE FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight encounter with weather, approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N210RW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N210RW-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 21058066, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210B
- Registry model: [Cessna 210B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210b) (registry code 2073410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21058066
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-S 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William R. Spencer
- Registered owner: Gsa
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: INT, WINSTON-SALEM, NC
- Airport: MWK, Mt Airy-Surry County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 700 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: INT, 25 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19881224056149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881224056149A), Dec 24, 1988: Cessna 210B, Mount Airy, NC, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Flew into trees trying to locate airport at night in low ceiling rain and fog. VFR pilot advised he was IFR rated.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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