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April 3, 2017 · Cessna 182 D · N8889X

Blue Earth, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Blue Earth, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 182 D (1961)
Tail Number
N8889X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA215

The pilot reported that, while approaching the destination airport in night, marginal visual meteorological conditions, he turned on the pilot-controlled runway lights. He added that he began a descent to the runway without observing the runway lights or airport and encountered "ground fog" about 200 to 300 ft above ground level (agl). He further added that he continued the descent to the runway while referencing the navigational moving map and GPS altitude on his electronic flight bag (EFB) application ForeFlight. Subsequently, while in a left turn, the airplane impacted terrain about 1 nautical mile south of the runway. The left wing, firewall, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, while en route, he reset his airplane-installed barometric pressure altimeter to the GPS altitude indicated on his EFB, which resulted in a "300 ft. error." An automated weather observing station, about 14 nautical miles west of the accident airport, recorded visibility at 2 1/2 statute miles, light rain, mist, and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 ft agl.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to continue the night, visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while on final approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper use of an electronic flight bag.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while approaching the destination airport, in night marginal visual meteorological conditions, he turned on the pilot controlled runway lights. He added that he began a descent to the runway, without observing the runway lights or airport, and encountered "ground fog" about 200 to 300 ft. above the ground. He further added that he continued the descent to the runway while referencing the navigational moving map and GPS altitude on his electronic flight bag (EFB) application ForeFlight. Subsequently, while in a left turn, the airplane impacted terrain about one nautical mile south of the runway. The left wing, firewall, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that while enroute, he reset his airplane installed barometric pressure altimeter to the GPS altitude indicated on his EFB, which resulted in a "300 ft. error." An automated weather observing station, about 14 nautical miles west of the accident airport, recorded visibility at 2 ½ statute miles, light rain, mist, and an overcast cloud ceiling at 300 ft. above ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBlue Earth Muni (1nm SSE)
Runway34
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182 D
Tail NumberN8889X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 56 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 46
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time03:06
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data