FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Missing Airplane Located Two Months After Departure from Steamboat Springs (N7248N)

Steamboat Sprg., CO, US

On April 5, 1989, a Cessna 182P (registration N7248N) operated by Steamboat Springs Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Steamboat Sprg., CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PLT'S FAILURE TO DISCONTINUE THE VFR FLIGHT WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED IMC; AND THE PLT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAINOUS 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane departed Steamboat Springs, CO, VFR en route to Ft. Collins, CO, but did not arrive. Wreckage found two months later three miles south of intended route at 13,000 ft elevation in mountainous terrain.

Departure and Route

An airplane departed Steamboat Springs, Colorado, under visual flight rules (VFR) en route to Fort Collins, Colorado, along the radial of V-101. The pilot did not file a flight plan. The purpose of the flight was to take a 14 CFR 135 check ride with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The en route terrain was mountainous with elevations between 10,000 and 13,500 feet. Weather conditions were described as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with mountain top obscurations.

Search Efforts

The airplane did not arrive at its destination. An extensive air and ground search was conducted but did not locate the airplane.

Wreckage Discovery

Approximately two months after the airplane was reported missing, wreckage was found approximately three miles south of the intended flight route in mountainous terrain at an elevation of 13,000 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1989 Cessna 182P accident near Steamboat Sprg., CO?

An airplane departed Steamboat Springs, CO, VFR en route to Ft. Collins, CO, but did not arrive. Wreckage found two months later three miles south of intended route at 13,000 ft elevation in mountainous terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1989 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N7248N, operated by Steamboat Springs Aviation, at Steamboat Sprg., CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PLT'S FAILURE TO DISCONTINUE THE VFR FLIGHT WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED IMC; AND THE PLT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.