Casualties unknown

Witnesses Report Sudden Engine Cessation During Low-Visibility Takeoff at Wien Lake (N4030V)

40 W OF Clear, AK, US

On November 25, 1990, a Cessna 170 (registration N4030V) operated by Theodore F. Monroe was involved in an aviation accident near 40 W OF Clear, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULE WHILE IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 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

An aircraft landed and later departed Wien Lake in poor visibility with snow; witnesses heard full engine power then a thump, after which all engine noise ceased. No mechanical issues found; pilot not instrument rated.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, an airplane landed at Wien Lake at 1200 Alaska Standard Time (A.S.T.) and departed again at 1330 A.S.T. Witnesses present at the lake described the weather as very poor during both phases, with visibility reported as 600 feet and falling, blowing snow.

Witness Accounts

According to witnesses, they were unable to see the entire takeoff run due to the low visibility. They reported hearing the engine operating at what they described as full power until a loud thump was heard, after which all engine noise ceased. No further details about the aircraft's movement or condition after the sound were provided by the witnesses.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

No official weather observation station exists at the accident site. An examination of the airplane found no mechanical irregularities. The pilot-in-command was not instrument rated. No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupants is available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1990 Cessna 170 accident near 40 W OF Clear, AK?

An aircraft landed and later departed Wien Lake in poor visibility with snow; witnesses heard full engine power then a thump, after which all engine noise ceased. No mechanical issues found; pilot not instrument rated.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 170, registration N4030V, operated by Theodore F. Monroe, at 40 W OF Clear, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULE WHILE IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE WHITEOUT CONDITION CREATED BY THE VAST EXPANSE OF WHITE LAKE SURFACE, AND THE BLOWING SNOW WHICH FURTHER REDUCED THE…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24552. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.