Cessna 182R N9408X accident near Mescalero, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's intentional attempt to fly into adverse weather, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience.

NTSB analysis

The radar air traffic controller advised the pilot of an area of light precipitation 15 miles ahead at his 12 o’clock position, about 10 miles in diameter, and extending about 10 miles along his flight path. Shortly thereafter, the non-instrument-rated pilot said that he was turning around due to the poor visibility. A few minutes later, the pilot said he would make another attempt to penetrate the weather then consider landing at an alternate airport if he was unable to get through. The last radio transmission from the pilot occurred when he acknowledged the controller's advisement that radar services were terminated and the instruction to change to an advisory frequency. When the airplane was reported overdue, a search was initiated and the wreckage was located 4 days later. GPS information indicated that the airplane was in a right spiral at a ground speed of 207 knots. The recovered airspeed indicator faceplate bore a “slap mark” at 150 knots. It is likely that the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions, and the pilot was unable to maintain control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FA090 for the full record.