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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Heavy Rain to ATC During Flight, No Further Communications (N4728A)

Hyden, KY, US

On August 5, 1990, a Cessna A152 (registration N4728A) was involved in an aviation accident near Hyden, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AND LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. 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 received a weather briefing, then while nearing the destination, ATC assisted in avoiding weather. At 1437, the pilot reported heavy rain and affirmed ability to maintain VFR, but no further transmissions were received.

Background

Before the flight, the pilot obtained a weather briefing through DUATS, with assistance from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The forecasts included a chance of thunderstorms, mountain obscurations, and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions in Kentucky.

Flight Progress and ATC Communication

During the last approximately 30 minutes of the flight, while en route and nearing the intended destination, the pilot received assistance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to avoid weather that was displayed on ATC radar. At 1437, the pilot radioed to ATC, stating, "...IT'S RAINING ON ME HEAVILY OVER HERE." The controller then asked whether the pilot could maintain Visual Flight Rules (VFR), to which the pilot replied in the affirmative. There were no further transmissions received from the pilot following that exchange.

Spatial disorientationWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1990 Cessna A152 accident near Hyden, KY?

A pilot received a weather briefing, then while nearing the destination, ATC assisted in avoiding weather. At 1437, the pilot reported heavy rain and affirmed ability to maintain VFR, but no further transmissions were received.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna A152, registration N4728A, at Hyden, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN SPATIAL DISORIENTATION AND LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE THUNDERSTORMS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT FLYING PROFICIENCY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23907. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.