Casualties unknown

1990-03-17: Cessna 172N (N76026) — Virginia Aviation — Bedford, VA

Bedford, VA, US

On March 17, 1990, a Cessna 172N (registration N76026) operated by Virginia Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S SELF INDUCED PRESSURE, LOW CEILINGS, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND RAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who was advised that VFR flight was not recommended departed Paintsville, Kentucky, and the aircraft later struck terrain in a mountain hollow. No witnesses. Another pilot reported marginal weather with rain storms near the mountains.

Overview

A pilot and at least one passenger departed Paintsville, Kentucky, at approximately 1730 Eastern Standard Time. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain in a hollow of a mountain ridge. There were no witnesses to the accident.

Weather and Flight

Before departure, the pilot received a weather briefing during which he was informed that visual flight rules (VFR) were not recommended. A weather observation taken 20 miles east of the accident site indicated conditions in that area. Another pilot reported that the weather was marginal with rain storms near the mountains where the accident occurred.

Accident Circumstances

The aircraft came to rest in a hollow within a mountain ridge. No further details about the impact or the condition of the aircraft or occupants are available from the investigation.

Pilot Background

The pilot had taken four days off work and was scheduled to return to work on the day following the accident. No additional information about the pilot's qualifications or flight experience was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22677. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.