Casualties unknown

1990-06-11: Mooney M20J (N201SE) — Robert Lee Pilcher Jr. — Andrews, NC

Andrews, NC, US

On June 11, 1990, a Mooney M20J (registration N201SE) operated by Robert Lee Pilcher Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Andrews, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE OVER HIGH TERRAIN. DARKNESS AND HIGH TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a night flight from Andrews, North Carolina to Americus, Georgia failed to arrive and was later found crashed on a mountain ridge. No preimpact mechanical issues were identified.

Incident Overview

On an undisclosed date, an aircraft departed Andrews, North Carolina, on a night flight bound for Americus, Georgia. When the aircraft did not arrive at its destination, a search was initiated. The wreckage was located on June 12, 1990, on the southeast ridge of a mountain approximately 4 miles west-northwest of the departure airport.

Crash Details

The impact occurred at an elevation of about 3,100 feet as the aircraft was on a westerly heading. The initial point of impact was with a tree roughly 250 feet from where the main wreckage came to rest.

Mechanical Findings

Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure. The exact cause of the crash was not determined from the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23318. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.