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Casualties unknown

Airplane Descends into Trees After Takeoff in Low Visibility (N5485N)

Flagstaff, AZ, US

On January 3, 1992, a Cessna 182R (registration N5485N) operated by Pedrick Construction Company was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AS HE TURNED AWAY FROM GROUND LIGHTS TOWARD UNLIGHTED TERRAIN. THE CLOUDS, FOG, AND DARK NIGHT CONDITION WERE FACTORS. 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 takeoff, an airplane climbed to an estimated 300-400 ft, turned right, and descended into trees. A witness reported the horizon and city lights were obscured by low stratus clouds and fog. The pilot had acknowledged ATIS reporting scattered clouds at 500 ft and fog banks.

Incident Description

Following lift-off, the airplane was observed climbing to an estimated altitude of 300-400 ft above ground level before executing a right turn and descending into trees. A witness at the scene stated that the horizon was obscured from their location and that the lights from the city were obscured by low stratus clouds and fog.

Weather Conditions

Prior to takeoff, the pilot had acknowledged receiving the current Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) information. The ATIS reported scattered clouds at 500 ft and a fog bank extending from the northwest through east, with visibility northwest of 2 miles and visibility east of 3 miles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jan 1992 Cessna 182R accident near Flagstaff, AZ?

After takeoff, an airplane climbed to an estimated 300-400 ft, turned right, and descended into trees. A witness reported the horizon and city lights were obscured by low stratus clouds and fog. The pilot had acknowledged ATIS reporting scattered clouds at 500 ft and fog banks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jan 1992 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N5485N, operated by Pedrick Construction Company, at Flagstaff, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AS HE TURNED AWAY FROM GROUND LIGHTS TOWARD UNLIGHTED TERRAIN. THE CLOUDS, FOG, AND DARK NIGHT CONDITION WERE FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13995. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.