Says Controller Did Not Respond To Pilot's Requests For WX

Poor weather, and errors on the part of the pilot and air traffic controllers, are blamed for the downing of a Cessna 337 in October 2005.

Michael Zinn, was flying from Boca Raton, FL to Myrtle Beach, SC when he lost control of his Cessna P337, N5HU, in a thunderstorm, and impacted a Florida home on October 19, 2005.

According to the NTSB Probable Cause Report, Zinn radioed Palm Beach International Airport for weather reports on routes around the storm in his path. After receiving clearance to deviate as needed due to building storms, Zinn was handed off to Miami Center.

It appears that was when the trouble began. After clearing Zinn to climb to 11,000 feet, the controller advised the pilot of buildups directly in his flight path, and asked Zinn his intentions. The pilot turned to the west, and asked the controller for additional guidance.

"I cannot suggest any headings because my weather radar only picks up precipitation and is not as accurate as what you see out the window," the controller replied, according to the NTSB report. "You are cleared to deviate left and right of course, when able direct to Melbourne - just advise when you can go back." The pilot acknowledged the call.

According to the report, the controller's attention then turned to handling another, unrelated flight -- and did not reply to calls from Zinn requesting a block altitude, and additional weather advisories.

After about 25 seconds without contact, the controller radioed Zinn:

"At 1455:49, the controller transmitted, "5HU go ahead." The pilot responded, "...are you showing what the weather is in front of me? I'm a little uh in difficult shape here." The controller advised, "OK - November 5HU I'm showing you encountering weather at this time moderate to heavy precipitation slight uh actually uh extreme precipitation, do you need uh say intentions." The pilot replied, "...give me a heading please." The controller responded, "OK - 5HU this is a suggestion only a suggestion only I cannot issue assigned headings. 20 degrees right please." At 1456:20, the pilot stated, "5HU roger that turning."

"Shortly afterward, the airplane entered a rapid descent," reads the NTSB report. A pilot flying nearby told controllers "somebody's yelling for help and that they are going to die," according to the Board.

Witnesses saw the plane descending from the clouds through 300 feet AGL before it rolled, climbed briefly and then crashed into the house in Port St. Lucie.

Zinn, 52, regularly flew between his homes in Florida and the town of Ulster, NY friends said.

The controller was not identified, nor did the NTSB indicate whether any disciplinary action was taken.

FMI: Read The NTSB Probable Cause Report