Departure Procedures

The instrument-rated pilot of a Cessna 182S Skylane received an IFR clearance about 15 minutes prior to departure from Runway 18R. Witnesses reported observing the airplane pass directly over their work site at a very low altitude, about one mile south of the airport. Radar data disclosed that the airplane was airborne for about 1.5 minutes. Following departure, the airplane made a left bank to an easterly heading while gradually increasing its altitude to 1000 feet msl. The last two returns show an altitude of 900 feet msl and a slight change of direction back toward the south.

Key Takeaways:

• An accident where an instrument-rated pilot failed to follow a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) highlights the critical importance of adhering to prescribed procedures for safe IFR departures.
• Pilots are personally responsible for terrain and obstacle avoidance during IFR departures in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), requiring meticulous preflight planning and strict adherence to published SIDs, Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), or a carefully planned self-devised climb-out.
• Successful instrument departures demand the same level of thorough preflight briefing, precision, and in-flight monitoring as instrument approaches.

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