Probable cause
A loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the multiengine airplane, operated by a regional airline, was conducting a positioning flight in night instrument meteorological conditions. After takeoff, the airplane made a slight left turn before making a right turn that continued until radar contact was lost. The airplane reached a maximum altitude of 700 feet before impacting terrain about 3 miles northwest of the departure airport. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact failures. The weather reported at the airport, about the time of the accident, included a visibility of 5 statute miles in light rain and mist and an overcast ceiling at 400 feet. Analysis of the radar and weather data indicated that, with the flight accelerating and turning just after having entered clouds, the pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08FA324 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Martha'S Vineyard (MVY)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N770CA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.