On February 1, 1986, a Cessna 195 (registration N4339N) was involved in an aviation accident near Black Diamond, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to maneuver in congested airspace while exceeding the aircraft's design limits, which resulted in structural overload and failure of the right wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 195 pilot exceeded design limits while maneuvering in congested airspace near another aircraft performing aerobatics, causing the right wing to fail due to structural overload.
What happened
Radar data indicates that a Cessna 195 was descending into congested airspace at approximately 192 knots. This speed exceeded the aircraft's maximum structural cruise speed of 178 mph. The incident occurred less than one minute before the pilot intended to enter the traffic pattern.
Witnesses and radar data confirmed the presence of a second aircraft in close proximity, which was engaged in aerobatic maneuvers. While maneuvering in this environment, the Cessna 195 pilot exceeded the design limits of the airframe. As a result, the right wing failed due to structural overload.
The investigation
Investigation relied on radar track data and witness accounts. Radar confirmed the descent profile and speed relative to the maximum structural cruise limit. Witness testimony corroborated the proximity of another aircraft performing aerobatics at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to maneuver in congested airspace while exceeding the aircraft's design limits, which resulted in structural overload and failure of the right wing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Feb 1986 Cessna 195 accident near Black Diamond, WA?
A Cessna 195 pilot exceeded design limits while maneuvering in congested airspace near another aircraft performing aerobatics, causing the right wing to fail due to structural overload.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1986 involved a Cessna 195, registration N4339N, at Black Diamond, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to maneuver in congested airspace while exceeding the aircraft's design limits, which resulted in structural overload and failure of the right wing.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…