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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes on Final Approach in Poor Weather (N96701)

Bridgeport, WV, US

On July 28, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N96701) was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgeport, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a visual approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-17Data APIEditorial standards

A plane crashed into a tree during a final approach to runway 21 in low visibility conditions, with no mechanical failure evident.

What happened

The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules and had been cleared for an approach to runway 21 after the pilot reported having the airport in sight. At approximately 0610 EDT, a local air taxi operator observed weather conditions that included ceilings at 200 feet and visibility of one-eighth of a mile. No current weather observation was available at the time of the incident.

The approach procedure required the pilot to use the Morgantown altimeter setting and add 100 feet to the decision height. The decision height for this approach was established at 1700 feet mean sea level, while the airport elevation was 1203 feet. The crash site was located approximately two and a half miles short of the runway threshold, at an elevation roughly equivalent to that of the airport.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact part failure or mechanical malfunction. The flight plan indicated that the individual seated in the co-pilot's seat was designated as the pilot in command.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a visual approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Bridgeport, WV?

A plane crashed into a tree during a final approach to runway 21 in low visibility conditions, with no mechanical failure evident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N96701, at Bridgeport, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during a visual approach in low visibility conditions, resulting 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/20001213X34061. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.