# NTSB MIA95LA052: Cessna 152, N24457, New Smyrna Bch., FL, January 1, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 31, 1994, 19:00 local (Jan 1, 1995, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: New Smyrna Bch., FL
- Coordinates: 29.0195, -80.920158 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0195&lon=-80.9202&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37718
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37718/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA052

## Probable cause

INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS BY A NONINSTRUMENT-RATED PILOT, AND THE PILOT'S SUBSEQUENT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS' OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - 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 - uncontrolled
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PILOT TOOK OFF IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WITH 1 MILE VISIBILITY IN FOG.   SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF HE LOST SIGHT OF THE GROUND, ENTERED A DIVE, AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Factual narrative

On December 31, 1994, about 1900 eastern standard time, N24457, a Cessna 152, registered to Vintage Props & Jets Inc. crashed in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time.

The noninstrument-rated pilot stated he attempted a flight in foggy weather. Shortly after takeoff he further stated he became disoriented when he lost sight of the ground, initiated a dive, and the airplane collided with the ground.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24457](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24457-2013-08-19), registration cancelled 2013-08-19, S/N 15280266, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15280266
- Airframe hours: 7521
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vintage Props & Jets Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 9, 1994, 17 hours before
- Departed: 34J, NEW SMYRNA BCH, FL
- Destination: 34J, FL
- Airport: 34J, New Smyrna Bch.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 123 total, 9 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft overcast
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 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 19941231000069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941231000069A), Dec 31, 1994: Cessna 152, New Smyrna Beac, FL, Substantial damage. Attempted flight in foggy weather. Lost ground reference. Initiated dive to regain ground reference. Struck ground.

## Other investigations on N24457 (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI86LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA027), Nov 8, 1985: Cessna 152 (N24457), Lansing, MI, substantial damage

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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