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NTSB Report
March 28, 1989 · Cessna 172XP · N736RT
Hondo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 28, 1989
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Hondo, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172XP
Tail Number
N736RT
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW89FA073
THE PILOT ELECTED TO TAKEOFF AFTER BEING TOLD BY THE AIRPORT MANAGER OF AN IMPENDING FRONTAL PASSAGE WITH ASSOCIATED THUNDERSTORMS. HE ALSO WAS INFORMED BY APPROACH CONTROL TO REMAIN ON THE GROUND UNTIL AFTER THE FRONTAL PASSAGE HAD OCCURRED. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES, DURING A THUNDERSTORM WITH HEAVY RAIN AND LIGHTNING. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND DURING THE INVESIGATION. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO DEPART INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER AND HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT ELECTED TO TAKEOFF AFTER BEING TOLD BY THE AIRPORT MANAGER OF AN IMPENDING FRONTAL PASSAGE WITH ASSOCIATED THUNDERSTORMS. HE ALSO WAS INFORMED BY APPROACH CONTROL TO REMAIN ON THE GROUND UNTIL AFTER THE FRONTAL PASSAGE HAD OCCURRED. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES, DURING A THUNDERSTORM WITH HEAVY RAIN AND LIGHTNING. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND DURING THE INVESIGATION. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time03:08 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172XP
Tail NumberN736RT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360-K · Reciprocating · 195
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind230° @ 15 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time08:50
Weather SourceWFAC