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NTSB Report
September 5, 1991 · Cessna 172 · N739YG
Arroyo Grande, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (3 fatalities, 1 serious injury)
Location
Arroyo Grande, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N739YG
Operator
Novo Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX91LA383
THE 100 HOUR PRIVATE PILOT RECEIVED A LIMITED PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING FOR A PROPOSED NIGHT FLIGHT IN A RENTAL AIRCRAFT. HE WAS ADVISED THAT AIRMET SIERRA WAS IN EFFECT, WHICH CALLED FOR GENERAL IFR CONDITIONS OVER HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A SIGMET FOR THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ALONG THE ROUTE. HE ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION LATE IN THE EVENING. WITNESSES STATED THE WEATHER WAS VERY FOGGY WITH ABOUT 1/2 MILE VISIBILITY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN NEAR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, AND CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE 100 HOUR PRIVATE PILOT RECEIVED A LIMITED PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING FOR A PROPOSED NIGHT FLIGHT IN A RENTAL AIRCRAFT. HE WAS ADVISED THAT AIRMET SIERRA WAS IN EFFECT, WHICH CALLED FOR GENERAL IFR CONDITIONS OVER HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A SIGMET FOR THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ALONG THE ROUTE. HE ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION LATE IN THE EVENING. WITNESSES STATED THE WEATHER WAS VERY FOGGY WITH ABOUT 1/2 MILE VISIBILITY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN NEAR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:49 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN739YG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorNovo Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (3 fatalities, 1 serious injury)
Fatal3
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind280° @ 4 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time05:45
Weather SourceWFAC