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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacts Trees During IFR Flight Over Cascade Mountains (N44888)

Lester, WA, US

On September 5, 1989, a Cessna 182 (registration N44888) operated by Evergreen Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Lester, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DUE TO HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MODERATE TURBULENCE AND TRACE MIXED ICING IN CLOUDS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on an IFR flight across the Cascade Mountains encountered clouds, turbulence, and trace mixed icing. The aircraft went off course, received a block altitude clearance, but could not maintain altitude. It descended and struck trees at 4,200 ft MSL. Passengers reported full control movements and inversion.

Flight and Weather Conditions

The pilot was conducting an IFR flight across the Cascade Mountains when the aircraft encountered clouds accompanied by turbulence and trace mixed icing. A witness on the ground reported light rain before the accident and clear skies immediately afterward.

Air Traffic Control Interaction

Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) personnel observed that the aircraft was off course and not at its assigned altitude. The controller subsequently issued a block altitude clearance to the flight.

Pilot Reports and Aircraft Control

The pilot communicated that he was unable to maintain altitude due to turbulence. Passengers aboard the aircraft reported that the pilot was making full control movements—both left and right, as well as fore and aft. According to their accounts, the aircraft became inverted during the descent.

Accident Sequence

After entering a descent, the aircraft impacted trees at an elevation of 4,200 feet mean sea level (MSL). The specific aircraft type, registration, and engine count are not provided in the source. No information is given about occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the tree impact.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1989 Cessna 182 accident near Lester, WA?

A pilot on an IFR flight across the Cascade Mountains encountered clouds, turbulence, and trace mixed icing. The aircraft went off course, received a block altitude clearance, but could not maintain altitude. It descended and struck trees at 4,200 ft MSL. Passengers reported full control movements and inversion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 182, registration N44888, operated by Evergreen Flying Club, at Lester, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DUE TO HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MODERATE TURBULENCE AND TRACE MIXED ICING IN CLOUDS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29494. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.