At the time of the accident, the automated METAR reported quarter-mile visibility and a 200-foot overcast ceiling. [Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
An experienced, instrument-rated pilot fatally crashed during his third attempt to land in severe fog and low visibility, striking terrain below the runway threshold.
The pilot had a dangerous history of successfully conducting "wildcat" instrument approaches below published minimums at the same airport on previous occasions.
While the NTSB cited "hazardous anti-authority attitude," the article suggests the accident stemmed from overconfidence in personal skill overriding critical flight safety rules and minimums.
In days of yore, the phrase “a doctor in a Bonanza” referred sarcastically to a pilot of unwarranted arrogance. But I’m dating myself. Perhaps the equivalent today is a hedge fund manager in a TBM.
In this case, however, it really was a doctor, and it really was a Bonanza.
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Peter Garrison taught himself to use a slide rule and tin snips, built an airplane in his backyard, and flew it to Japan. He began contributing to FLYING in 1968, and he continues to share his columns, ""Technicalities"" and ""Aftermath,"" with FLYING readers.
