Cessna 182 N2198G accident near Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from clouds, resulting in controlled flight into terrain due to mountain obscuration.

NTSB analysis

The pilot believed that inclement weather had already passed his intended destination airport before he departed on the visual flight rules flight. While enroute, the airplane caught up with the back side of the storm and became surrounded by cloud cover. ADS-B data indicated the pilot performed two right 360° turns. During the second of these right 360° turns, a passenger texted photos of the weather surrounding the airplane to a family member. The airplane continued flying south for about 1 minute and began a third right 360° turn while initially climbing and then descending to an altitude of 1,700 ft above mean sea level (msl), about 300 ft above ground level (agl). Toward the end of the flight, the airplane encountered rising terrain due to a mountain in the flight path that was likely obscured by clouds. The pilot deviated to the left, then started another climbing right 360° turn before descending.

Based on reported weather conditions at the time of the accident, the pilot likely climbed into instrument meteorological conditions in close proximity to the mountain. The final turn arced toward the mountain and began a descent until the airplane struck the mountain in a wings-level, nose-low attitude at an elevation of 2,000 ft msl. Review of the pilot’s logbooks revealed that, even though he was instrument rated, he did not have the required currency.

Available specimens for ethanol testing were limited to a brain tissue specimen and a liver tissue specimen. Ethanol was detected in only one of these specimens, in which n-propanol was also present, consistent with postmortem microbial activity. Considering this evidence in context of the pilot’s extensive injuries, it is likely that the detected ethanol was from postmortem sources rather than alcohol consumption.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24FA294 for the full record.