The airplane was substantially damaged after impacting Lake Russell at about 2223 Eastern time. The non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed. After the flight took off and at about 2222, ATC issued an on-course clearance. This clearance was acknowledged by the pilot, and was the last transmission received from the airplane. Radar tracking data indicate the airplane made a slight left turn for an on-course heading then made a right turn of approximately 100 degrees. Radar data showed the airplane at an altitude of 2400 feet msl at 2223. Approximately 12 seconds after the 2400-foot radar return, another radar return showed an altitude of 0 feet. The wreckage was located in Lake Russell in about six-foot-deep water. Recovery divers estimated the engine was embedded approximately four feet into the floor of the lake.
December 7, 2009, Kissimmee, Fla., Cessna 172S Skyhawk
The airplane was substantially damaged after impacting Lake Russell at about 2223 Eastern time. The non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed. After the flight took off and at about 2222, ATC issued an on-course clearance.
Key Takeaways:
- A non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured when their aircraft crashed into Lake Russell under instrument conditions.
- After acknowledging an on-course clearance, the plane made an unexpected 100-degree right turn before its last radar contact.
- Radar data indicated a rapid, uncontrolled descent from 2400 feet to 0 feet in approximately 12 seconds before the airplane impacted the lake, sustaining substantial damage.
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