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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacts Mountain After VFR Flight in Low Ceilings (N393B)

Killdeer, ND, US

On September 11, 1991, a Beech 95 (registration N393B) operated by James H. Morten was involved in an aviation accident near Killdeer, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DISREGARDING THE WEATHER FORECAST; HIS IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION TO CONTINUE A VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS; AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM TERRAIN. 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 with over 17,000 hours of flight time received a weather briefing reporting low ceilings and advising against VFR, but elected to fly VFR. The aircraft struck a mountain about 100 feet below the crest.

Background

A pilot with over 17,000 hours of flight time obtained a weather briefing prior to a flight. The briefing reported low ceilings along the planned route and stated that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended.

Flight Details

Despite the recommendation against VFR flight, the pilot decided to proceed under VFR and did not file a flight plan. The weather briefing had specifically indicated the location of the low ceilings.

Accident

The low ceilings were present exactly where the weather briefer had reported them, obscuring the top of a mountain. The aircraft subsequently struck the side of the mountain at an elevation approximately 100 feet below the mountain's crest. The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, or any injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1991 Beech 95 accident near Killdeer, ND?

A pilot with over 17,000 hours of flight time received a weather briefing reporting low ceilings and advising against VFR, but elected to fly VFR. The aircraft struck a mountain about 100 feet below the crest.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1991 involved a Beech 95, registration N393B, operated by James H. Morten, at Killdeer, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DISREGARDING THE WEATHER FORECAST; HIS IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION TO CONTINUE A VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS; AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM TERRAIN. THE MOUNTAINOUS HILLY TERRAIN AND LOW CEILING WERE FACTORS RELATED TO 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/20001212X18051. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.