2 fatalities

Cessna 172K Crashes During VFR Flight into IMC; Two Fatalities, One Injury (N736XP)

EL Reno, OK, US

On December 15, 1986, a Cessna 172K (registration N736XP) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Reno, OK. 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 private pilot attempted a VFR flight in IFR conditions, requested special VFR which was denied, then flew beneath a low ceiling in fog and collided with terrain. The pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; another passenger was seriously injured.

Accident Details

A Cessna 172K, operated by a private pilot, was involved in an accident during a flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while attempting to operate under visual flight rules (VFR). The pilot contacted Oklahoma City Approach Control and requested a Special VFR approach during hours of darkness. The request was denied due to the pilot's lack of instrument qualification. The pilot was subsequently issued radar vectors for landing at a nearby airport.

Despite the vectors, the pilot attempted to fly beneath a low ceiling in fog. The aircraft subsequently contacted terrain, resulting in a crash. The aircraft was destroyed.

Pilot and Flight

The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate, had accumulated approximately 150 hours of flight time. The pilot was not instrument-rated. The flight was conducted at night in conditions that required instrument flight capabilities, which the pilot lacked.

Aftermath

The pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries in the accident. A second passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft, a Cessna 172K, was destroyed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1986 Cessna 172K accident near EL Reno, OK?

A private pilot attempted a VFR flight in IFR conditions, requested special VFR which was denied, then flew beneath a low ceiling in fog and collided with terrain. The pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; another passenger was seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1986 Cessna 172K accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1986 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N736XP, at EL Reno, OK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.