| Crash location | 43.077778°N, 94.271945°W |
| Nearest city | Algona, IA
43.069966°N, 94.233019°W 2.0 miles away |
| Tail number | N9292U |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 20 Dec 2005 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 150M |
| Additional details: | None |
On December 20, 2005, about 1938, a Cessna150M, N9292U, piloted by a non-instrument rated private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain and subsequent nose over during an off field landing after takeoff when the flight encountered fog near Algona, Iowa. The personal flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Night visual to instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating from the Algona Municipal Airport (AXA), near Algona, Iowa.
The pilot's accident report stated:
Returned from [Mason City Municipal Airport, Mason City, Iowa, to]
AXA. (5:00pm [to] 7:30pm) [Weather] was clear dark night. (clear
below 12000') Terrain flat. Landed AXA. On ground [approximately]
8 min[utes]. [Approximately] 7:38pm took off AXA for a local flight.
Sky looked clear. Rotated [and] climb to about 70'. Then engulfed in
fog. ... Turned right to make open field to north of AXA. Could not see
anything at this time. Cut power, leveled wings, [and] tried to just hold
that attitude to reduce impact. Hit slightly nose down [attitude].
Skidded, then flipped over.
The pilot checked the AXA Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). He stated that AWOS indicated clear weather before the flight.
At 1915, the recorded weather at AXA was: Wind 310 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 7 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature -15 degrees C; Dew point -18 degrees C; altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury.
At 1935, the recorded weather at AXA was: Wind 310 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 1/4 statute mile; present weather light snow; sky condition overcast 100 feet, temperature -14 degrees C; dew point -18 degrees C; altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury.
The pilot's inadvertent flight into unexpected instrument conditions and his visual look out not possible during takeoff leading to the nose over during the emergency landing after takeoff. Factors were the unexpected fog and the dark night conditions.