Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Marginal Weather, Collides with Terrain After Attempting Turn (N733FY)

Hyannis, NE, US

On September 21, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N733FY) was involved in an aviation accident near Hyannis, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE. DARKNESS AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 received a complete weather briefing but encountered marginal conditions at night with heavy rain. He attempted a 180-degree turn and later could not recall the flight; investigation found the aircraft descended and collided with terrain.

Incident Overview

A pilot operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) received a complete weather briefing for the intended route. The briefing included warning advisories relevant to the route. Despite the advisories, the pilot proceeded with the flight.

Sequence of Events

During the flight, the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions at night, accompanied by heavy rain. In response, he elected to perform a 180-degree turn and land at a nearby airport. While turning, he leaned forward to look at the magnetic compass. Subsequently, he could not remember any further details about the flight.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that the aircraft had descended and collided with terrain. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupants was provided in the investigation source. The circumstances leading to the descent remain unspecified, and the source did not state any causal factors or contributing elements.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Hyannis, NE?

A pilot received a complete weather briefing but encountered marginal conditions at night with heavy rain. He attempted a 180-degree turn and later could not recall the flight; investigation found the aircraft descended and collided with terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N733FY, at Hyannis, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE. DARKNESS AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29457. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.