Casualties unknown

Noninstrument-Rated Pilot Strikes Terrain During Turn in Instrument Conditions (N6185E)

Montgomery Pass, NV, US

On June 5, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N6185E) operated by Schneider, George & Donna was involved in an aviation accident near Montgomery Pass, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE DOWNDRAFT, LOW CEILING, RAIN, OBSCURATION, AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A noninstrument-rated pilot departed into known instrument meteorological conditions with mountain tops obscured by clouds and rain. While executing a 180-degree turn upon approaching mountainous terrain, the right wing struck the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Accident Overview

A noninstrument-rated pilot departed toward an area of known instrument meteorological conditions. The mountain tops were obscured by clouds and rain at the time of departure. The airplane proceeded toward a mountainous area, where the pilot initiated a 180-degree turn. During the turn, the right wing collided with the terrain.

Pilot Actions and Conditions

The pilot, who was not rated for instrument flight, chose to fly into an area where instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. Upon nearing the mountainous terrain, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn. The turn likely was an attempt to reverse course, but contact with terrain occurred during the maneuver.

Aircraft Condition

According to the pilot, the airplane did not experience any mechanical malfunctions or failures before the collision. The preimpact condition of the aircraft was reported as normal, suggesting the accident resulted from environmental and human factors rather than equipment issues.

Subsequent Information

No further details about the pilot, aircraft, or exact location were provided in the source. The report focuses solely on the sequence of events and the pilot's statement regarding mechanical integrity.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1993 Cessna 172 accident near Montgomery Pass, NV?

A noninstrument-rated pilot departed into known instrument meteorological conditions with mountain tops obscured by clouds and rain. While executing a 180-degree turn upon approaching mountainous terrain, the right wing struck the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6185E, operated by Schneider, George & Donna, at Montgomery Pass, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE DOWNDRAFT, LOW CEILING, RAIN, OBSCURATION, AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12644. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.