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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Accident Near Lewisburg, West Virginia (N9502C)

Rupert, WV, US

On April 6, 1989, a Beech C35 (registration N9502C) operated by Jon M. Metz was involved in an aviation accident near Rupert, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT INADVERTANTLY FLEW INTO IMC WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN VFR AND COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A STEEP TURN DURING HIS ATTEMPT TO TURN AWAY FROM IMC. 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 non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers departed Parkersburg for Lewisburg. An observer saw the aircraft flying low under overcast conditions. Wreckage was found at 3,800 ft MSL with no preimpact failures.

Accident Details

A non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers departed from Parkersburg (PKB) en route to Lewisburg (LWB). No witnesses observed the accident itself, but a local resident reported seeing an aircraft flying toward Lewisburg at an altitude of approximately 700 to 800 feet above ground level (AGL) as it passed over her residence, which was situated at an elevation of 2,600 feet AGL. She stated that the sky above the aircraft was a solid overcast ceiling and that the engine sounded normal.

Weather Observations

A certified flight instructor (CFI) who was flying approximately 5 miles southeast of the accident site about 45 minutes prior to the accident reported that mountain tops in the area were totally obscured by clouds and heavy snow showers.

Examination

Examination of the wreckage site, located at an elevation of 3,800 feet above mean sea level (MSL), revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 1989 Beech C35 accident near Rupert, WV?

A non-instrument-rated private pilot and three passengers departed Parkersburg for Lewisburg. An observer saw the aircraft flying low under overcast conditions. Wreckage was found at 3,800 ft MSL with no preimpact failures.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 1989 involved a Beech C35, registration N9502C, operated by Jon M. Metz, at Rupert, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT INADVERTANTLY FLEW INTO IMC WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN VFR AND COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A STEEP TURN DURING HIS ATTEMPT TO TURN AWAY FROM IMC. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT WERE DETERMINED TO BE FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: LOW CEILINGS, OBSCURATION, SNOW, AND TURBULENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28044. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.