NTSB Identification: LAX88FA045.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 36388.
Accident occurred Sunday, November 15, 1987 in MEXICALI, Mexico
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/07/1988
Aircraft: CESSNA 441, registration: N2484B
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.A CESSNA 441 OPERATED BY THE USCS COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN WHILE ON A AUTHORIZED NIGHT TACTICAL FLIGHT. THE COPILOT DID NOT MEET THE CURRENCY STANDARDS AS REQUIRED BY USCS AND WAS NOT QUALIFIED IN THE ACFT. THE FLIGHT ORIGINATED DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS AND CONTINUED TO ASTRONOMICAL TWILIGHT. THE PILOTS DID NOT DARK ADAPT PREVIOUS TO THE NIGHT CONDITIONS. DARK ADAPTION WAS IMPEDED BY FLIGHT THROUGH VARIOUS LIGHT CONDITIONS CREATED BY TERRAIN AND AMBIENT LIGHT LEVELS. WITH NIGHT VISION IMPEDED THE PILOT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DINSTINGUISH RELIEF OF THE TERRAIN. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A SMALL RIDGE THAT ABRUPTLY ROSE 300 FT.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
ALTITUDE..MISJUDGED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PROPER ALTITUDE..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..UPHILL
Contributing Factors
EXCESSIVE WORKLOAD (TASK OVERLOAD)..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
LIGHT CONDITION..NIGHT
Contributing Factors
VISUAL LOOKOUT..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
VISUAL/AURAL DETECTION..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
VISUAL LOOKOUT..INADEQUATE..COPILOT/SECOND PILOT
Contributing Factors
VISUAL/AURAL DETECTION..COPILOT/SECOND PILOT
Contributing Factors
LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT TIME..COPILOT/SECOND PILOT
Contributing Factors
INADEQUATE TRANSITION/UPGRADE TRAINING..COPILOT/SECOND PILOT
Contributing Factors
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
CREW/GROUP COORDINATION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
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