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NTSB Report
August 20, 1990 · Cessna 172RG · N6599R
Onancock, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Onancock, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N6599R
Operator
Ulf D Uhlig
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90DID01
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PLT WAS ON A NIGHT VFR FLIGHT WHEN THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IN A STEEP NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. WITNESSES WHO HEARD THE CRASH REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY, ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER 35 MILES NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS REPORTED AS CLEAR. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF AIRCRAFT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE PLT WAS SEATED IN THE RIGHT SEAT. ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOT A CFI, HE LOGGED 44 HOURS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TIME.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL BECAUSE THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC, NIGHT CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PLT WAS ON A NIGHT VFR FLIGHT WHEN THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IN A STEEP NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. WITNESSES WHO HEARD THE CRASH REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY, ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER 35 MILES NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS REPORTED AS CLEAR. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF AIRCRAFT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE PLT WAS SEATED IN THE RIGHT SEAT. ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOT A CFI, HE LOGGED 44 HOURS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN6599R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUlf D Uhlig
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-FIA6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind190° @ 6 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC