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:

• Pilots are critically responsible for pre-flight planning and precisely following instrument departure procedures (SIDs or ODPs) to ensure obstacle and terrain clearance, especially in IMC conditions.
• Failure to adhere to prescribed departure clearances and procedures, as highlighted by a fatal accident, can lead to loss of situational awareness and in-flight collision with terrain.
• When no standard departure procedures are available, pilots must proactively research and plan their own safe climb-out route, treating instrument departures with the same diligence and precision as instrument approaches.

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