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Casualties unknown

Night VFR Flight into Rising Terrain Ends with No Mechanical Faults (N28110)

Burnsville, NC, US

On April 26, 1992, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N28110) operated by Swope, Garrett H. was involved in an aviation accident near Burnsville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY EVALUATE THE WEATHER INFORMATION AND HIS CONTINUED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH HIGH TERRAIN. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. 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 flight departing under VFR at night into rapidly rising terrain was instructed to climb to 8,500 feet. Weather briefing indicated possible turbulence and icing; local residents reported snow showers. The last radar plot showed 6,500 feet near the accident site, where terrain elevation is about 6,300 feet. Examination found no mechanical problems.

Flight Details

The flight departed under visual flight rules (VFR) during nighttime conditions, heading into an area characterized by rapidly rising terrain. Departure control issued an instruction for the flight to climb to an altitude of 8,500 feet.

Weather Conditions

Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that advised of possible turbulence and icing conditions along the planned route. According to local residents in the immediate vicinity of the accident location, snow showers were occurring around the approximate time of the event.

Accident Site and Radar Data

The last radar plot available placed an aircraft at an altitude of 6,500 feet in the vicinity of the accident site. The terrain elevation at the accident site itself was measured at approximately 6,300 feet. This indicates a minimal margin between the aircraft's last recorded altitude and the ground level.

Aircraft Examination

A thorough examination of the aircraft was conducted following the accident. The inspection failed to reveal any mechanical problems or malfunctions that could have contributed to the event. The airframe, engine, and all systems were found to be within normal operating parameters.

Summary of Facts

  • Flight operated under VFR at night into rising terrain.
  • Departure control instructed climb to 8,500 feet.
  • Weather briefing warned of turbulence and icing; snow showers present.
  • Last radar plot at 6,500 feet near accident site (terrain 6,300 feet).
  • No mechanical issues discovered during examination.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1992 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Burnsville, NC?

A flight departing under VFR at night into rapidly rising terrain was instructed to climb to 8,500 feet. Weather briefing indicated possible turbulence and icing; local residents reported snow showers. The last radar plot showed 6,500 feet near the accident site, where terrain elevation is about 6,300 feet.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1992 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N28110, operated by Swope, Garrett H., at Burnsville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY EVALUATE THE WEATHER INFORMATION AND HIS CONTINUED VISUAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH HIGH TERRAIN. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14367. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.