On August 24, 1985, a Cessna 120 (registration N1812V) operated by Robert A. Gosnell was involved in an aviation accident near Afton, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and his wife departed Waynesboro Airport under VFR conditions. After crossing a mountain, the pilot reported hitting scud. The wreckage was found at 2100 feet. NTSB analysis indicated cloud bases near 2000 feet.
Accident Overview
A private pilot and his wife departed from Waynesboro Airport in reported visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions at approximately 1700 hours. The assistant airport manager noted that the ceiling was about 2500 feet, but the mountain tops in the direction of flight were obscured.
Sequence of Events
At around 1710, the pilot radioed on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that he had crossed the mountain and was heading home. Approximately 45 seconds later, he was heard to say that he "had hit scud." The wreckage was subsequently discovered at an elevation of 2100 feet.
Weather Information
An analysis of the weather conditions by a meteorologist from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that cloud bases at the time and in the accident area were near 2000 feet.