2 fatal · CESSNA 172 · 2014-12-24 · Sutter Creek, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR15FA070
Event ID
20141224X71626
Type
Accident
Date
2014-12-24
Location
Sutter Creek, CA, USA
Coordinates
38.404998, -120.791946
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
CESSNA
Model
172
Registration
N8518B
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
The noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to descend into an area of widespread IMC.