Forney F-1 accident near Middleburg, FL
On December 22, 1996, a Forney F-1 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Middleburg, FL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 22, 1996
- Place
- Middleburg, FL
- Aircraft
- Forney F-1 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 30.049°N, 81.900°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X07204
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 22, 1996, about 0608 eastern standard time, a Forney F-1, N7530C, registered to an individual, crashed into trees near Spencer's Airpark, Middleburg, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed and the private-rated pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from Middleburg, Florida, the same day, about 0530. Family members and friends of the pilot stated the pilot planned to depart about 0530 for a local flight and return at about 0800. They stated it was foggy at the planned departure time. When the pilot did not return a search was initiated. The wreckage of the aircraft was located in a wooded area, 1 mile southwest of Spencer's Airpark, at 1630. PERSONNEL INFORMATION Information on the pilot is contained in this report under pilot information. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION A note found in the pilot's logbook showed the engine tachometer read 194.57 hours after he finished flying the aircraft on December 21, 1997. It also showed he had flown the aircraft 1.69 hours on that date. After the accident the engine tachometer read 195.21, showing the aircraft had flown .64 hours or about 38 minutes on the day of the accident. Additional information on the aircraft is contained in this report under aircraft information. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Witnesses stated it was foggy and dark at the pilot's planned departure time of 0530. The fog was patchy, but at times was very dense. It remained foggy until about 1100. Additiona
Probable cause
VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and an uncontrolled descent into a wooded area. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, darkness, the adverse weather condition (fog and/or low ceiling), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.
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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
