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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lost in River Following Flight in Low Visibility Conditions (N735KE)

Stevenson, WA, US

On March 1, 1984, a Cessna U206 (registration N735KE) was involved in an aviation accident near Stevenson, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flying into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in loss of control and collision with terrain/water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a river approximately 30 minutes after takeoff while the pilot was maneuvering at low altitude during poor weather conditions including rain and fog. The wreckage sank and was not recovered.

What happened

The pilot initiated a flight despite weather conditions that included low visibility, rain, and fog. Although the pilot had reportedly checked the weather prior to departure, they decided to proceed with the flight regardless of the adverse conditions. Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was maneuvering at low altitude, it crashed into a river. At the time of the accident, the water surface was reported to be glassy smooth. The aircraft sank in 65 feet of water and was not recovered.

The investigation

The wreckage was located in the river but could not be retrieved due to the depth of the water.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue flying into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in loss of control and collision with terrain/water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Mar 1984 Cessna U206 accident near Stevenson, WA?

An aircraft crashed into a river approximately 30 minutes after takeoff while the pilot was maneuvering at low altitude during poor weather conditions including rain and fog. The wreckage sank and was not recovered.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Mar 1984 involved a Cessna U206, registration N735KE, at Stevenson, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue flying into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in loss of control and collision with terrain/water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39170. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.