On December 10, 1987, a Cessna 177RG (registration N1868Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Afton, WY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft not certified for flight into icing departed after a C-182 pilot advised staying below clouds. It cleared an 11,000-ft mountain range but struck the next range in a descent. Wreckage found months later.
Accident Summary
The accident aircraft was not certified nor equipped for flight into icing conditions. The pilot elected to depart despite being advised by the crew of a Cessna 182 that had just landed to stay below the clouds because of icing. After takeoff, the aircraft cleared an 11,000-foot mountain range but collided with the next range while in a wings-level descent at 9,200 feet. The aircraft was not found until June 14, 1988.
Weather Conditions
Records from the National Weather Service indicate that the weather in the area of the accident at the time was overcast skies with snow and moderate icing in the clouds.
What happened in the 10 Dec 1987 Cessna 177RG accident near Afton, WY?
An aircraft not certified for flight into icing departed after a C-182 pilot advised staying below clouds. It cleared an 11,000-ft mountain range but struck the next range in a descent. Wreckage found months later.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Dec 1987 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N1868Q, at Afton, WY.
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