Cessna 172M N1596V

Summary

On 24 December 1997 at about 02:16 local time, a Cessna 172M registered N1596V, operated by Vista Aviation, Inc., was involved in an accident near Monticello, Utah, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 December 1997 at 02:16

Classification

Accident

Location

Monticello, Utah, United States

Coordinates

37.9809, -109.2896

Aircraft

Cessna 172M

Registration

N1596V

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Vista Aviation, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cortez → Grand Junction

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

FTW98LA075

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from obstacles. Also causal was the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were his lack of familiarity with the geographical area, lack of experience, night conditions, and power lines

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While on a cross-country flight, the newly certificated private pilot became lost and disoriented and failed to follow instructions for assistance by air traffic control. During maneuvering flight in the vicinity of a city, he flew the aircraft in close proximity to the ground and struck power lines. Light condition was night, and visibility was 7 miles. Approximately 200 pounds of marijuana was found in the rear seat of the aircraft by sheriff's deputies. Investigation revealed the pilot had 63 hours total flight time 3.2 hours of which were at night. His private pilot certificate was issued less than 2 weeks before the accident, and he had no previous flight experience in the area where the accident occurred.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.