2) SD-N, C-FIT

Cessna 150F | N8110S

October 31st, 2024 | Wilder, Tennessee

Accident Location

  • City: Wilder
  • State: Tennessee
  • Latitude: 36.317286
  • Longitude: -85.092206
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N8110S
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 150F
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Hertz, Joshua
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 37
  • Pilot Hours: 65
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: None
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: None
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: October 31st, 2024
  • Time: 6:40 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Night
  • VMC / IMC: IMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: ERA25FA037
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 2) SD-N, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot elected to attempt solo cross country flight as a student pilot at night, crossing significant terrain deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot eventually ended up in zero zero conditions with no previous instrument flight training and became disoriented, and then flew directly into terrain. There is no record of the pilot having a medical or pilots license or any instrument training..

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft avoid night flight in mountainous areas during periods of decreasing ceiling and visibility. The DTSB recommends that pilots choose one: Night. IMC. Ice. Terrain. In may cases, choose none. Delay and avoid. Wait until daylight next day and only progress when weather is suitable for VFR flight.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.