On June 4, 1993, a Beech S35 (registration N5865J) was involved in an aviation accident near Lovelock, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUATION OF VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
At 0356, a pilot was briefed on weather hazards including moderate turbulence, mountain obscurement, icing, and low ceilings. VFR flight was not recommended. Departing Las Vegas at 0507, no ATC communication occurred. Wreckage was later found at 8,000 ft on a mountain; witnesses reported 400-ft ceilings.
Weather Briefing
At 0356, the pilot received a weather briefing that included flight precautions for Nevada. The briefing indicated moderate turbulence, occasional mountain obscurement, occasional moderate rime or mixed icing, and some ceilings below 1,000 ft with visibility below 3 miles. The pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended in the mountain obscurement area. When the pilot inquired about an alternate route, he was informed that route had many of the same precautions.
Flight
The flight departed Las Vegas at 0507. There is no record of any communications between the pilot and air traffic control.
Accident Site
The airplane wreckage was subsequently found at the 8,000-ft level of a mountain. Witnesses near the accident site reported ceilings of about 400 ft and mountain obscuration.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jun 1993 Beech S35 accident near Lovelock, NV?
At 0356, a pilot was briefed on weather hazards including moderate turbulence, mountain obscurement, icing, and low ceilings. VFR flight was not recommended. Departing Las Vegas at 0507, no ATC communication occurred. Wreckage was later found at 8,000 ft on a mountain; witnesses reported 400-ft ceilings.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1993 involved a Beech S35, registration N5865J, at Lovelock, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S CONTINUATION OF VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.