On August 30, 1985, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N4195Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Proctor, WV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft was discovered in a remote mountainous area with dense woods on September 16, 1985, after being the subject of a search from September 9 to September 12. Witnesses and residents provided context regarding weather conditions.
What happened
The aircraft remained at rest on the ground and became the object of a search operation that lasted from September 9, 1985, to September 12, 1985. The aircraft was eventually located in a remote area characterized by mountains and dense woods. It was discovered on September 16, 1985, by an individual who was hiking on foot to harvest ginseng.
The investigation
Witnesses were identified at the scene. Residents living in the vicinity reported that rain occurred throughout the day of August 30, 1985, with periods of heavy precipitation. Investigators noted an approximate level path consisting of broken trees and limbs leading into the mountainside at the site where the aircraft was found.