NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On December 20, 1994, at 1854 central standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3229S, was destroyed when it impacted terrain after takeoff from Davis Field (MKO), Muskogee, Oklahoma. The private pilot and his two passengers were fatally injured. No flight plan was filed and dark night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the local, personal flight.

The non-instrument rated pilot was taking his grandchildren for a flight to view the Christmas lights in the local area. According to witnesses, the aircraft was observed entering the low overcast ceiling after takeoff from runway 13. The wreckage of the aircraft was located about 1/2 mile southeast of the departure end of the runway.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot was issued his private pilot certificate on April 8, 1989. According to the pilot's logbook, he accumulated a total of 3.7 hours of simulated (hood) instrument time.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The aircraft was equipped for flight in instrument conditions. A review of airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The Automatic Weather Observation Service (AWOS) observation for MKO at the time of the accident was a ceiling of 200 foot overcast with 5 miles visibility. Temperature was 46 degrees, with a dew point of 45 degrees. The altimeter was 30.11 inches and the winds were light from the southeast. A witness who was at the airport at the time of the accident stated that he observed the clouds to be "very low". No record was found indicating that the pilot received a weather briefing prior to the flight.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

Total wreckage distribution, including ground scars, encompassed a linear rectangular area 350 feet long and 50 feet wide on a center line heading of 300 degrees magnetic. All aircraft components and wreckage were located within 350 feet from the initial point of ground contact. The main wreckage came to rest on a measured heading of 300 degrees. The propeller assembly separated from the engine at the propeller flange, but both blades remained attached to the hub. One blade was found bent 90 degrees towards the cambered side, and twisted toward the direction of rotation. The other blade was bent 90 degrees towards the non-cambered side, and twisted toward the direction of rotation.

Examination of the engine revealed no signatures of lubrication or thermal distress within the engine. Continuity was established to all the cylinders and to the accessory drive. Flight control cable continuity could not established due to fire damage in the cabin area. The flaps were found in the retracted position. The elevator trim tab was found in the 5 degree down (nose up) position.

Examination of the aircraft and engine at the accident site did not disclose any structural or mechanical anomalies.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The autopsy was performed by Bruce Carrico, M.D., at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Oklahoma. Toxicological tests were negative.

FIRE

A postimpact fire destroyed the aircraft. No evidence of preimpact fire was found during the investigation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AFTER INADVERTENTLY FLYING INTO ADVERSE WEATHER. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, THE LOW CEILING, THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER, AND HIS LACK OF INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE.