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Casualties unknown

VFR Pilot Encounters Terrain While En Route to Hazard VOR (N40793)

Norton, VA, US

On February 9, 1990, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N40793) was involved in an aviation accident near Norton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WHEN CONTINUING TO FLY INTO DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE, LOW CEILINGS, FOG, AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 VFR pilot departed Boone, NC, contacted approach, then requested descent. No further communications. Aircraft struck a 4,400 ft mountain at 4,162 ft elevation, coming to rest nose-down. Witnesses reported low ceilings, fog, and drizzle.

Incident Details

A VFR pilot departed Boone, North Carolina, and contacted Tri-Cities Approach, reporting they were 2 DME from the Holston VOR, level at 6,500 feet en route to the Hazard VOR. The pilot later requested a descent to 5,500 feet. After requesting a frequency change, no further communications were made.

The aircraft struck a 4,400-foot mountain at an elevation of 4,162 feet. It traveled through trees before coming to rest in a 45-degree nose-down attitude.

Weather Conditions

Weather data listed in the report was recorded at a reporting facility 28 nautical miles from the accident site. A police officer and a forest service ranger stated that local weather conditions on the day of the accident included low ceilings, fog, and drizzle.

Investigation

Civil Air Patrol located the wreckage two days after the accident. A post-accident inspection failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, or engine.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 1990 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Norton, VA?

A VFR pilot departed Boone, NC, contacted approach, then requested descent. No further communications. Aircraft struck a 4,400 ft mountain at 4,162 ft elevation, coming to rest nose-down. Witnesses reported low ceilings, fog, and drizzle.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N40793, at Norton, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WHEN CONTINUING TO FLY INTO DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE, LOW CEILINGS, FOG, AND 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/20001212X22513. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.