Casualties unknown

Aircraft Disappears on Return Leg of Cross-Country Flight (N4950G)

Nantucket, MA, US

On July 19, 1984, a Cessna 172N (registration N4950G) operated by Macdan Aviation Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Nantucket, MA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying a cross-country return leg disappeared after departing despite IMC conditions and being advised against VFR flight. Search operations have not located the aircraft.

Incident Overview

An aircraft disappeared after departing on the return leg of a cross-country flight. The pilot had contacted the operator at the home base and reported that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed for the return trip. The operator informed the pilot that the aircraft was not needed and there was no urgency to return.

Weather and Departure

The pilot checked the weather twice before departure and was advised on each occasion that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Despite these warnings, the pilot departed after 2200 hours on July 18. The specific date of July 18 is indicated, but the year is not provided in the source.

Search Efforts

Search operations have been conducted but have been unsuccessful in locating the aircraft. The status of the pilot and any potential passengers is not specified, and no evidence of injuries or fatalities has been reported.

Key Details

  • The aircraft was on the return leg of a cross-country flight.
  • The pilot reported IMC conditions to the operator.
  • The operator indicated the aircraft was not needed and the pilot did not need to hurry.
  • The pilot checked weather twice and was told VFR flight was not recommended.
  • Departure occurred after 2200 on July 18.
  • Search operations have not found the aircraft.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1984 Cessna 172N accident near Nantucket, MA?

A pilot flying a cross-country return leg disappeared after departing despite IMC conditions and being advised against VFR flight. Search operations have not located the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1984 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4950G, operated by Macdan Aviation Corp., at Nantucket, MA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40460. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.