Only five percent of general aviation accidents during 2010 occurred in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). But these accidents comprised 18 percent of all fatal crashes that year, and almost two-thirds of them proved fatal. According to the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 2011 Nall Report, this is a familiar pattern.
General aviation accidents in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) are infrequent but disproportionately fatal, often involving experienced, instrument-rated pilots.
These incidents frequently stem from pilots making overly optimistic real-world decisions that eliminate escape options, a contrast to the cautious mindset practiced during training.
Pilots should proactively apply a "pessimistic" training approach to real-world flights by consistently evaluating and briefing contingency plans ("outs") for weather hazards *before* encountering them, and resisting the urge to rush worsening conditions.
Only five percent of general aviation accidents during 2010 occurred in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). But these accidents comprised 18 percent of all fatal crashes that year, and almost two-thirds of them proved fatal. According to the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s 2011 Nall Report, this is a familiar pattern.
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