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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reported Missing After Mountain Flight Without Flight Plan (N288BH)

Goleta, CA, US

On October 22, 1989, a Beech V35 (registration N288BH) operated by Hendrick, William G was involved in an aviation accident near Goleta, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT VISUAL FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AT AN ALTITUDE THAT WOULD NOT PROVIDE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. THE WEATHER CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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 pilot flying across mountainous terrain without a flight plan disappeared after takeoff. The wreckage was found on a mountain top the following day, with low ceilings and obscured skies in the area.

Incident Overview

A pilot departed on a cross-country flight across mountainous terrain without filing a flight plan. After takeoff, the pilot climbed under an overcast sky toward a mountain pass. The pilot acknowledged that radar service was terminated, and no further communications were received.

Search and Discovery

The pilot's family reported him missing late in the afternoon of the day of departure. Low ceilings and poor visibility persisted throughout that day and continued until the following afternoon. Search personnel located the aircraft wreckage on a mountain top on the day after the aircraft was reported missing.

Impact Details

The impact occurred at an elevation of 2,200 feet MSL. A pilot of another aircraft in the area reported the ceiling was 1,600 feet with the sky obscured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1989 Beech V35 accident near Goleta, CA?

A pilot flying across mountainous terrain without a flight plan disappeared after takeoff. The wreckage was found on a mountain top the following day, with low ceilings and obscured skies in the area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1989 involved a Beech V35, registration N288BH, operated by Hendrick, William G, at Goleta, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT VISUAL FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AT AN ALTITUDE THAT WOULD NOT PROVIDE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. THE WEATHER CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29626. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.