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VFR Flight into Clouds Leads to Ridge Impact Near Lookout Pass (N985DB)

Mullan, ID, US

On September 20, 1993, a Cessna 180B (registration N985DB) was involved in an aviation accident near Mullan, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR IN FLIGHT DECISION, AND HIS INADVERTENT CONTINUATION OF A VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS INCLUDE LOW CEILINGS, SNOW, FOG, RAIN, AND MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN. 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 pilot flying VFR under low ceilings through mountainous terrain inadvertently entered clouds near Lookout Pass, then climbed and struck a ridge 900 feet higher than the pass.

Background

The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight through a mountainous region. Navigation was being accomplished by following a freeway. The weather conditions included low cloud ceilings.

Flight Through Lookout Pass

The aircraft traversed Lookout Pass at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). While in the pass, the flight encountered an area of fog, snow, and rain. As a result, the aircraft inadvertently entered clouds.

Climb and Impact

After entering clouds, the pilot initiated a climb in a northerly direction. The climb was sustained until the aircraft struck a ridgeline. The impact point was at an elevation about 900 feet higher than the pass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1993 Cessna 180B accident near Mullan, ID?

A pilot flying VFR under low ceilings through mountainous terrain inadvertently entered clouds near Lookout Pass, then climbed and struck a ridge 900 feet higher than the pass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 180B, registration N985DB, at Mullan, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POOR IN FLIGHT DECISION, AND HIS INADVERTENT CONTINUATION OF A VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS INCLUDE LOW CEILINGS, SNOW, FOG, RAIN, AND MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13471. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.