# NTSB ATL90FA022: Cessna 182P, N58735, Darlington, SC, November 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 1989, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Darlington, SC
- Coordinates: 34.289684, -79.869537 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2897&lon=-79.8695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90FA022
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90FA022

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC AND HIS ATTEMPT TO LAND THE AIRPLANE UNDER THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING A VISUAL APPROACH TO AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES ABOUT TWO MILES NORTH EAST. THE PILOT REPORTED OVER THE AIRPORT, AND WOULD LOOK FOR A HOLE TO DESCEND THROUGH FOR A VISUAL LANDING. SECONDS LATER THE AIRPLANE CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE PILOT WAS NOT CERTIFICATED. HIS STUDENT PILOT'S CERTIFICATE HAD EXPIRED AND THERE WAS NO CURRENT SOLO ENDORSEMENT. THE UNICOM OPERATOR REPORTED LOW CEILING AND RAIN AT THE AIRPORT WHEN THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING THE LANDING APPROACH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58735](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58735-2013-05-08), registration cancelled 2013-05-08, S/N 18262264, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182P
- Registry model: [Cessna 182P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182p) (registry code 2075816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 182-62264
- Airframe hours: 2868
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: A.R. Russell Builders
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1989, 51 hours before
- Departed: RDU, RALEIGH, NC
- Airport: 04J, Darlington County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 206 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLO

## 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 19891102044399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891102044399A), Nov 2, 1989: Cessna 182P, Darlington, SC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Above overcast near airport crashed into trees. Indicates hit trees on letdown attempt. No medical or endorsements.

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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