The instrument-rated pilot was positioning the Cessna 172L in preparation for an annual inspection. The flight was conducted under night visual flight rules (VFR) however, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed along the route of flight.
The pilot reported that the cloud ceiling at the departure airport was about 700 feet above ground level (AGL).
The pilot inadvertently flew into clouds while en route and remained in instrument conditions for about 10 minutes.
During the final approach to the airport in Cleveland, Texas, the plane descended below the clouds, but the pilot was unable to locate the airport and “saw only pitch black” with no visual references.
The airplane hit trees shortly before the pilot intended to initiate a go-around. It subsequently came to rest nose down in a wooded area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
A Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) pertaining to the destination airport indicated that the runway lights were unserviceable during the time of the accident flight.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to attempt the night flight under visual flight rules when instrument meteorological conditions prevailed resulting in the airplane striking trees while on final approach. Contributing to the accident were the unserviceable runway lights at the destination airport.
NTSB Identification: 106657
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This January 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
