On September 30, 1991, a Cessna 182Q (registration N759SN) operated by James A. Gottfried was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft struck steep upsloping terrain on a mountain peak near the crest of a mountain chain, three miles from the road summit through an obscured pass.
What happened
The aircraft was observed flying at a low altitude above ground level while following a road into a mountain pass. The area was obscured in clouds and fog. The aircraft impacted steep upsloping terrain on a mountain peak near the crest of the mountain chain, three miles from the road summit through the pass. Evidence on the wreckage indicated the exterior of the aircraft was wet when it impacted the ground.
Findings
The flight path suggests the pilot continued into instrument meteorological conditions without adequate visibility. The wet exterior of the wreckage confirms the presence of precipitation or fog at the time of impact. The terrain was steep and upsloping, increasing the risk of controlled flight into terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
What happened in the 30 Sept 1991 Cessna 182Q accident near Lincoln, MT?
A light aircraft struck steep upsloping terrain on a mountain peak near the crest of a mountain chain, three miles from the road summit through an obscured pass.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N759SN, operated by James A. Gottfried, at Lincoln, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
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