Beech 35C33 N5827S accident near Tolar, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at night over a rural area, due to spatial disorientation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and the two passengers departed on a cross country flight on a dark, moonless night over a rural area. Approximately 10 minutes after they departed, the airplane was observed in a descending spiral over a hay field. The last 50 seconds of recorded GPS data and the witness's description of the maneuvers before the crash, were consistent with the pilot experiencing a vestibular illusion, which resulted in a spiral from which he was unable to recover. Although toxicology testing detected very low levels of a marijuana metabolite in the blood, it was consistent only with use of the substance in the days or weeks preceding the accident, and not suggestive of impairment at the time of the accident. A postaccident examination of the airplane and the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical deficiencies.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10FA392 for the full record.