Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a night instrument approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot requested and was cleared for an area navigation global positioning system instrument approach. Night visual flight conditions prevailed. According to radar data, the pilot intercepted the inbound course and descended to 800 feet above ground level, at which point radar contact was lost. The airplane collided with trees and impacted terrain 2.6 miles from the airport. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had no recollection of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA207 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Angleton, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Brazoria Cty/Tx Gulf Coast Reg (LBX)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 310K
- N-number
- N3816X
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.