# NTSB BFO92LA007: Stinson 108, N97684, Spanishburg, WV, November 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1991, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Spanishburg, WV
- Coordinates: 37.449138, -81.109764 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4491&lon=-81.1098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11749
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11749/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA007

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOW CEILING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, descent - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - drizzle/mist (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - normal
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT FROM MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA TO CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA, THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DESCENDED THROUGH AN OVERCAST AND COLLIDED WITH TREES.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD OBTAINED A COMPUTER RADAR WEATHER REPORT IN STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, WHICH WAS REPORTING 4500 FEET CEILING AND 20 MILES VISIBILITY. ACCORDING TO THE FAA, WHILE EN ROUTE TO HIS DESTINATION, THE PILOT CLIMBED AS HIGH AS 9000 FEET TO AVOID THE CLOUDS. AFTER CROSSING THE FIRST MOUNTAIN RIDGE, HE DESCENDED TO 500 FEET.  HE STATED THAT HE SLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO 70 KNOTS AND CONTINUED HIS DESCENT SO AS TO REGAIN SIGHT OF THE GROUND.  THE NEAREST WEATHER STATION, ABOUT 10 MILES AWAY, REPORTED THE WEATHER AS OBSCURED SKY AND ONE-EIGHT OF A MILE VISIBILITY IN LIGHT DRIZZLE AND FOG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N97684](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N97684-2014-11-26), registration cancelled 2014-11-26, S/N 108-684, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108
- Registry model: [Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108) (registry code 9230402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-684
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4150-3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry D. Misenhelder
- Registered owner: Richard Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 24, 1901, 10 hours before
- Departed: STATESVILLE, NC
- Destination: MERCER COUNTY, WV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight; seat: left; flight hours: 172 total, 112 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 4 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BLF, 10 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 19911116051849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911116051849A), Nov 16, 1991: Univar 108, Spanishburg, WV, Destroyed. Caught on top at 9000 feet. Descended through clouds and struck trees on a mountain. Not IFR rated. No IFR clearance

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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