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NTSB Report
August 4, 2008 · Cessna 150L · N16235
Watertown, SD
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Watertown, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 150L
Tail Number
N16235
Operator
Mitchell S Pratt
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA235
The pilot reported that during the cross country night flight he began losing altitude while listening to the automated weather service broadcast for the destination airport. He did not notice the altitude loss. The pilot decided to go to an alternate airport, turned for the alternate, and descended during the turn. At that point he noticed the altitude loss, pulled back on the yoke, and impacted a cornfield. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight. The pilot's safety recommendation was "haze is deceptive."
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain during cruise. Contributing to the accident was the night, the haze, and the tall vegetation.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the cross country night flight he began losing altitude while listening to the automated weather service broadcast for the destination airport. He did not notice the altitude loss. The pilot decided to go to an alternate airport, turned for the alternate, and descended during the turn. At that point he noticed the altitude loss, pulled back on the yoke, and impacted a cornfield. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight. The pilot's safety recommendation was "haze is deceptive."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 150L
Tail NumberN16235
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMitchell S Pratt
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0