Casualties unknown

Mid-Air Collision Between IFR and VFR Aircraft Near Airport (N65831)

Snohomish, WA, US

On December 7, 1991, a Cessna 172P (registration N65831) operated by Arlington Aeronautical was involved in an aviation accident near Snohomish, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS NOT MAINTAINED. 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 mid-air collision occurred between an IFR aircraft practicing instrument approaches and a VFR aircraft in cruise flight, at 2,200 feet in VMC, approximately five miles east of the airport.

Incident Overview

A flight conducting practice instrument approaches under IFR reported a missed approach to air traffic control and was instructed to turn to 70 degrees and climb to maintain 2,000 feet. The pilot acknowledged the instructions. Approximately five miles east of the airport, while at 2,200 feet, the IFR aircraft collided with a VFR aircraft. The collision occurred in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).

Flight Details

The IFR aircraft was level at 2,200 feet at the time of the collision. The VFR aircraft was in cruise flight, flying in a southerly direction on a VFR flight plan. The VFR flight was not in communication with air traffic control.

Aftermath

The collision involved both aircraft. No further details about the outcome or condition of the occupants or aircraft are available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 1991 Cessna 172P accident near Snohomish, WA?

A mid-air collision occurred between an IFR aircraft practicing instrument approaches and a VFR aircraft in cruise flight, at 2,200 feet in VMC, approximately five miles east of the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N65831, operated by Arlington Aeronautical, at Snohomish, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS NOT MAINTAINED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.