Plane crash map Locate crash sites, wreckage and more

N474SP accident description

Maryland map... Maryland list
Crash location 38.945555°N, 76.773334°W
Nearest city Bowie, MD
39.006777°N, 76.779137°W
4.2 miles away
Tail number N474SP
Accident date 30 Nov 2017
Aircraft type Cessna 172
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.

© 2009-2020 Lee C. Baker / Crosswind Software, LLC. For informational purposes only.