Cessna 172G N3992L accident near Independence, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and two pilot-rated passengers were returning to their home airport after they were advised by the pilot’s flight instructor not to return due to dense fog that reduced visibility to about 500 ft. During their arrival, the pilot made multiple advisory radio calls that confirmed his intention to land and activated the pilot-controlled runway lights (PCL). Recorded ADS-B data showed that while on the downwind leg, after passing the runway lights, the airplane veered toward the runway centerline as it continued the downwind leg. The pilot then performed a 180° base to final turn and overshot the runway centerline twice. The airplane then flew past the runway threshold and off to the side of the runway, where it impacted a power distribution line support pole about 694 ft from the approach end of the runway threshold. A postaccident fire substantially damaged the airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions of failures that would have precluded normal operation. A weather study confirmed that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed about the time of the airplane’s arrival. The pilot likely lost his ability to maintain visual reference through the fog during the landing approach.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24FA057 for the full record.