Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to commence the flight in marginal visual flight rules conditions at night, and his failure to maintain a safe altitude once instrument conditions were encountered.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was returning to his home base under night, marginal, visual flight rules conditions. While enroute, he inadvertently entered instrument conditions and a sudden “snow squall.” He was blinded by the snow and tried to maintain wings level. The airplane gradually descended and impacted trees and terrain, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He had received some instrument training; however, he was not instrument rated.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA060 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 14, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N6714S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.