Accident Cessna TR182 N4701S, Tuesday 9 December 1997

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Tuesday 9 December 1997
Time:	19:30 LT
Type:	Cessna TR182
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N4701S
MSN:	798509
Engine model:	Lycoming O-540-L3C5D
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Owenton, KY - United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Hampton, IA (KHPT)
Destination airport:	Mt. Sterling, KY (KIOB)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The non-instrument rated pilot stated that he obtained a weather briefing from the Weather Channel and a DUAT service. The weather forecast called for marginal visual flight rules conditions. About 100 miles from his destination, the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions. He performed a precautionary landing to an uneven field. During the landing, the landing gears collapsed; and the propeller and left wing were damaged.

Probable Cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight/inflight decision and VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing was a low ceiling.

Accident investigation: