Natives of Monterrey, Mexico, pilots Arturo Guerra Perez, Sr. and Art, Jr. rely on their familiarity with the region’s terrain, and despite the intense mountain turbulence and sinking ceiling on one chilly November day, they aim for the gap between a low, overcast sky and the hills ahead.
In this harrowing real pilot story, a routine flight turns fatal as a father and son negotiate the Mamulique Pass back from Burnet, Texas, following a weekend adventure.
Join the AOPA Air Safety Institute as we explore how the allure of a familiar route can lead to a critical lapse in judgement and underscore the dangers of complacency in the cockpit.
ASI’s Real Pilot Stories allow pilots to share their encounters with dilemmas so others can benefit—while comfortable on the ground—from lessons learned the hard way in flight.
Learn more:
- Review the VFR into IMC Avoidance & Escape Resources page
- Take the Spatial Disorientation quiz
Apply credit to your ASI transcript for watching this video:
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