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Aircraft Wreckage Found Near Lake Placid Airport After Departure in Snow (N1729Q)

Lake Placid, NY, US

On March 1, 1989, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N1729Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Placid, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DEPARTURE INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. 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

An aircraft departed Saranac Lake in intermittent snow squalls and blizzard conditions. About 10 minutes later, the pilot contacted Lake Placid UNICOM. Wreckage was found at the base of a hill south of the airport.

Departure and Communication

The pilot departed Saranac Lake in intermittent snow squalls and blizzard conditions. Approximately 10 minutes after departure, the pilot contacted Lake Placid UNICOM, stating he would be landing in about 5 minutes.

Last Observed Position

Two minutes after that communication, the UNICOM operator heard the aircraft fly overhead at a low altitude. The aircraft appeared to be flying downwind for Runway 32.

Wreckage Location

The wreckage was discovered at the base of a hill located 3/4 mile south of the airport, just off the approach end of Runway 32.

Weather Conditions

At the time, the airport was obscured in snow, with visibility reported as around 1/3 to 1/2 mile. However, the north end of the field was clear.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Mar 1989 Beech 95-A55 accident near Lake Placid, NY?

An aircraft departed Saranac Lake in intermittent snow squalls and blizzard conditions. About 10 minutes later, the pilot contacted Lake Placid UNICOM. Wreckage was found at the base of a hill south of the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Mar 1989 involved a Beech 95-A55, registration N1729Q, at Lake Placid, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DEPARTURE INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27979. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.