Think Fast

Are you up for this after a few months of visual approaches? Youre current, comfortable with the aircraft, and familiar with the airport, so you dont see any problems. Besides, its time to launch and that low stuff is sure to start burning off by the time you get there as P6SM and SCT015 are forecast an hour after your arrival. In fact, you dont even need to look for an alternate now to meet 14 CFR 91.169 (b)(2) as the ceiling and visibility are expected to be better than 2000 feet and 3 SM at that time.

Elaine Kauh

Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot, rushing a flight in marginal weather, neglects thorough pre-flight planning, including detailed alternate research and adequate fuel calculations.
Over-reliance on optimistic forecasts and personal comfort leads to two missed approaches at the destination due to unexpectedly low visibility.
Facing a critical fuel shortage after the missed approaches, the pilot's options are severely limited, forcing an unplanned diversion to an unprepared-for small airport.
The incident emphasizes the paramount importance of meticulous weather briefing, robust alternate airport planning, and conservative fuel management for flight safety.

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It’s a misty, cool morning in Merrill, Wisconsin and the patchy fog hanging around the airport is common for late summer into early autumn. While you wait for the sun to burn off enough to comfortably depart in your four-cylinder Piper, you’re eyeing conditions en route to Cedar Rapids, Iowa (KCID).

A 5:30 a.m. takeoff isn’t your first choice because of the scud, but it’s about a two-hour minimum flight to KCID and a long workday awaits. You’re getting in a hurry.