Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance with terrain. Factors related to the accident include mountain obscuration and fog.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while cruising over mountainous terrain, 'mountain obscuration and fog closed in tight in a hurry.' he attempted to stay clear of clouds and land at a nearby airport. The airplane entered clouds and impacted terrain. The pilot was not instrument rated. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 31, 1993, about 1240 hours eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N2892S, registered to Richard S. Newark, Warren, Pennsylvania, was destroyed when it collided with mountainous terrain near Milroy, Pennsylvania, during cruise flight. The pilot received minor injuries; however, the sole passenger was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. It departed Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with an intended destination of Warren, Pennsylvania. The pilot, Richard S. Newark, stated that he received a weather briefing from the Elkins, West Virginia, Flight Service Station prior to his departure. After departing from Lancaster, he was flying at 2500 feet mean sea level (msl) when "mountain obscuration and fog closed in tight in a hurry." He intended on discontinuing the flight to his final destination and landing at University Park Airport in State College, Pennsylvania, because of the worsening weather conditions. He utilized his LORAN to direct him towards the airport; however, he stated that he entered clouds and then impacted trees and terrain while "in straight and level flight." He reported that the airplane was "working perfectly" prior to the impact. According to FAA inspector Al Groft, the airplane was found on the side of a hill at an elevation of about 1800 feet MSL. The pilot was a certificated private pilot with no instrument rating. The pilot reported that he had logged about 350 hours of total flight time. -