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Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Overcast, Impacts Terrain After Controller's 'No Factor' Assurance (N6884P)

Twin Peaks, CA, US

On April 24, 1993, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6884P) operated by James E. Brown was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Peaks, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO IMC, THE RADAR CONTROLLER'S ISSUANCE OF INCORRECT TERRAIN INFORMATION, THE CONTROLLER'S FAILURE TO ISSUE A LOW ALTITUDE SAFETY ALERT, AND THE CONTROLLER'S FAILURE TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY SERVICES. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

While nearing destination, a pilot descended into overcast, lost visibility of rising terrain, and requested ATC help. The controller approved descent and said terrain was no factor. The pilot reported losing VFR and the aircraft struck mountainous terrain at 5,550 ft MSL.

Event Description

Nearing completion of his flight across the U.S., approximately 33 miles from his destination, the pilot descended and encountered an overcast layer. Unable to see the underlying rising mountainous terrain and uncertain of his exact position, he requested assistance from air traffic control. He advised the controller that he had a 'hole' and intended to descend through it.

Communication with ATC

The airplane was radar identified. The controller approved the descent and instructed the pilot to maintain visual flight rules (VFR) at all times. When the pilot inquired, 'How low is the terrain under me right now?', the controller responded, 'The terrain is no factor for you, sir.'

Final Moments

Shortly after that exchange, the pilot reported that he was '...losing VFR.' The airplane subsequently impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 5,550 feet above mean sea level.

Controlled flight into terrain

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12156. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.