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Piper PA-28R-201 N4956S Crashes Near Kearsarge Pass (N55186)

Independence, CA, US

On June 8, 1987, a Cessna 172P (registration N55186) was involved in an aviation accident near Independence, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during flight, which resulted in a collision with 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 2026-06-17Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper Cherokee Arrow departed San Jose on June 9, 1987, and was reported missing. The wreckage was not discovered until three years later near Kearsarge Pass at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

What happened

The aircraft was reported missing shortly after departing from San Jose, California, at approximately 1852 Pacific Daylight Time on June 9, 1987. A search operation was immediately initiated by authorities, but the plane remained undiscovered for nearly three years. The wreckage was finally located on June 30, 1990, when a hiker found the debris field near Kearsarge Pass at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

The accident site was situated near the base of a cliff. A diagram provided by the Inyo County Sheriff's Department indicated that the engine came to rest approximately 200 yards east of the main wreckage cluster. Evidence suggested that the engine was providing power to the propeller at the time of the impact. Weather conditions at the accident site were unknown, but reports from San Jose, located about 173 miles west, indicated clear skies with winds from 290 degrees at 14 knots at 1846 PDT.

The pilot had taken possession of the aircraft two days after having an argument with his girlfriend. The operator stated that he had permission to fly the aircraft at his discretion after business hours.

Probable cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the remote location of the accident site and the lack of weather data at the specific elevation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jun 1987 Cessna 172P accident near Independence, CA?

A Piper Cherokee Arrow departed San Jose on June 9, 1987, and was reported missing. The wreckage was not discovered until three years later near Kearsarge Pass at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jun 1987 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N55186, at Independence, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the remote location of the accident site and the lack of weather data at the specific…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31249. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.