Running The Scud

Getting under a cloud layer and proceeding visually to a destination has been a temptation for pilots since the beginning. Airmail pilots, cruising at maybe 80 mph, had plenty of time to see and avoid obstacles down really low, but they still crashed airplanes. There were a lot fewer obstacles back then, and what were likely to be flying these days is a lot faster.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Scud running (flying visually under low cloud layers) is a dangerous temptation for pilots, often driven by overconfidence, pressure, or familiarity with an area, even for experienced, instrument-rated pilots in capable aircraft.
A fatal accident is detailed where an instrument-rated commercial pilot, familiar with the area, crashed into an unlit wind turbine while attempting to scud run in dark night instrument conditions.
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the pilot's decision to continue flying at low altitude into known deteriorating weather, failing to clear the unlit turbine, with the inoperative obstruction light on the wind turbine being a contributing factor.
The critical safety message is to avoid scud running by turning around or contacting ATC, as even highly experienced pilots are vulnerable to its extreme risks.

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The temptation is still there, though, often resulting from overconfidence in one’s abilities and supposed familiarity with the route, among other factors. Add in some pressure to complete the flight—whether self-imposed or demanded by passengers—and you’ll do what you can to find a way to complete the mission. That’s when the temptation to do something less than smart can be at its greatest.