2 fatalities

Aircraft Located on Rising Terrain Following Unbriefed Departure in Deteriorating Weather (N43552)

Kelso, WA, US

On January 5, 1986, a Piper PA28-151 (registration N43552) was involved in an aviation accident near Kelso, WA. 2 people were killed. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot diverted due to worsening weather, received a VFR not recommended briefing, but departed later without further briefing. The aircraft was found the next day on rising terrain 11 miles from departure. Toxicology tests were positive for marijuana in both occupants.

Flight History

En route to the destination, the pilot diverted to a nearby airfield because of deteriorating weather conditions. One hour after landing, a telephone weather briefing for the continued flight to the destination was obtained, which was VFR not recommended. Less than two hours later, without any further weather briefing, the aircraft departed.

Weather Conditions

A following aircraft that took off after the mishap aircraft reversed its course and returned to land, reporting a ceiling of 800 feet and visibility of 2 miles, with the ceiling rapidly lowering to 500 feet after takeoff.

Search and Recovery

The mishap aircraft was found by search and rescue the next day. It was located at the 800-foot level of rising terrain, 11 miles from the departure airfield.

Toxicology Findings

Toxicology tests were positive for marijuana in both occupants.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 1986 Piper PA28-151 accident near Kelso, WA?

A pilot diverted due to worsening weather, received a VFR not recommended briefing, but departed later without further briefing. The aircraft was found the next day on rising terrain 11 miles from departure. Toxicology tests were positive for marijuana in both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jan 1986 Piper PA28-151 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 1986 involved a Piper PA28-151, registration N43552, at Kelso, WA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00258. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.