OPA LOCKA, FL, USA
N45834
Cessna 182P
According to the pilot, he was flying over the Everglades in 'less than ideal conditions.' Darkness was falling, and he was unable to tell where the sky ended and the ground began. As he approached his destination, he saw 'low clouds' near the airport and began a descent to go under the clouds. During his descent, the airplane struck the ground. The pilot reported the last altimeter reading was 600 feet. The altimeter was set before departure.
On November 22, 1997, about 1815 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182P, N45834, collided with the ground during cruise flight near Opa Locka, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for this personal flight. The private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Placid Lakes Airport, Lake Placid, Florida at 1730. According to the pilot, he was flying to Opa Locka, over the Everglades, in "less than ideal conditions". It was dark outside and he was unable to tell where the ground ended and the sky began. As he approached the airport, he saw some "low clouds" in front of the airport. He started to descend to go under the clouds, and struck the ground. His last altimeter reading was 600 feet. According to the pilot, the altimeter was set before takeoff.
the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain clearance above the ground while attempting a VFR approach to an airport with low clouds. The low clouds (ceiling) and condition of light at dusk were related factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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