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Aircraft Wreckage Discovered Following Extended Search in Mountain Pass (N8922T)

Globe, AZ, US

On December 13, 1990, a Cessna 182C (registration N8922T) operated by Stiegelmeyer, Jon V. was involved in an aviation accident near Globe, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONDUCT A WEATHER EVALUATION PRIOR TO FLIGHT AND HIS ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT HIS FLIGHT UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES INTO 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

After departing without a weather briefing or flight plan, a pilot flying to meet an appointment failed to arrive. The wreckage was found six days later in a mountain pass near the destination, with search efforts hampered by instrument meteorological conditions.

Incident Overview

A pilot who flew to a distant airport to perform a service for a family member subsequently took off for the return flight to his home airport without obtaining a preflight weather briefing or filing a flight plan. The pilot had a prior appointment scheduled at his hometown and was attempting to adhere to that timeline.

Environmental Conditions

Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and mountainous terrain existed along the intended flight route. These conditions later inhibited both aerial and ground search operations for the missing aircraft.

Search and Discovery

The aircraft failed to arrive at its destination and was reported missing. A combined aerial and ground search was launched, but persistent IMC along the assumed flight path hampered the efforts. After six days of searching, the aircraft's wreckage was located in a mountain pass situated near the destination airport.

Findings

The investigation noted that the pilot did not receive a preflight weather briefing and did not file a flight plan prior to departure. The aircraft was operating in IMC over mountainous terrain at the time of the accident. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant status were provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 1990 Cessna 182C accident near Globe, AZ?

After departing without a weather briefing or flight plan, a pilot flying to meet an appointment failed to arrive. The wreckage was found six days later in a mountain pass near the destination, with search efforts hampered by instrument meteorological conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna 182C, registration N8922T, operated by Stiegelmeyer, Jon V., at Globe, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONDUCT A WEATHER EVALUATION PRIOR TO FLIGHT AND HIS ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT HIS FLIGHT UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. LOW CEILINGS ALONG HIS FLIGHT ROUTE AND SELF INDUCED PRESSURE TO REACH HIS DESTINATION WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24765. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.