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Casualties unknown

Day VFR aircraft crashes into trees in poor weather (N9271A)

Murphysboro, IL, US

On October 19, 1985, a Cessna 170A (registration N9271A) operated by Paul E. Van Houten was involved in an aviation accident near Murphysboro, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to continue flight in marginal VMC conditions in an aircraft placarded for day VFR only, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. 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 placarded for day VFR only collided with trees approximately 32 minutes after takeoff in marginal visual meteorological conditions, resulting in a ground impact.

What happened

The pilot departed the airport under marginal visual flight rules (VMC) conditions. The aircraft was specifically placarded with a restriction for day VFR operations only. Approximately 32 minutes after the takeoff phase, the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently descended to impact the ground.

A hunter located in the immediate vicinity of the accident site reported hearing a change in the engine sound, which suggested the aircraft was turning. However, the witness stated that they were unable to visually observe the aircraft due to low cloud cover, poor visibility, and heavy rain at the time of the incident.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the operational environment and the aircraft's limitations. The pilot elected to operate in weather conditions that did not meet the requirements for safe flight, given the aircraft's specific placarding restrictions.

Probable cause

the pilot's decision to continue flight in marginal VMC conditions in an aircraft placarded for day VFR only, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1985 Cessna 170A accident near Murphysboro, IL?

An aircraft placarded for day VFR only collided with trees approximately 32 minutes after takeoff in marginal visual meteorological conditions, resulting in a ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1985 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N9271A, operated by Paul E. Van Houten, at Murphysboro, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to continue flight in marginal VMC conditions in an aircraft placarded for day VFR only, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37971. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.