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Casualties unknown

VFR Flight Ends in Collision with Terrain in Alabama (N3499R)

Ft. Mcclellan, AL, US

On October 3, 1994, a Cessna 182L (registration N3499R) operated by Winterset Flying Club, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Mcclellan, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE THE LOW CEILING, FOG, AND DRIZZLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. 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 commercial pilot and passenger flying VFR from Illinois to Georgia struck mountainous terrain after the pilot reported intermittent clouds. The wreckage indicated a level, wings-level impact. Nearby weather conditions included low ceilings and reduced visibility.

Accident Details

A commercial pilot and a passenger were conducting a VFR flight from Cairo, Illinois, to LaGrange, Georgia. While receiving vectors around restricted airspace in the Huntsville, Alabama area, the pilot informed air traffic control that he had been 'in and out of the clouds.' After Huntsville terminated radar service, the pilot continued on route under VFR. The wreckage was subsequently located on the side of steep, mountainous terrain. No eyewitnesses were found.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage and surrounding tree damage indicated that the aircraft struck the terrain in a level flight attitude with wings level. The accident site elevation was approximately 1,900 feet above mean sea level (MSL).

Weather Conditions

The closest weather observation site, Anniston, Alabama (elevation 612 feet MSL, located 11 miles southeast of the accident site), reported conditions near the time of the accident. The reported ceiling was 800 feet broken, 1,500 feet broken, and 2,000 feet overcast, with visibility of 4 miles in light drizzle and fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Oct 1994 Cessna 182L accident near Ft. Mcclellan, AL?

A commercial pilot and passenger flying VFR from Illinois to Georgia struck mountainous terrain after the pilot reported intermittent clouds. The wreckage indicated a level, wings-level impact. Nearby weather conditions included low ceilings and reduced visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Oct 1994 involved a Cessna 182L, registration N3499R, operated by Winterset Flying Club, Inc., at Ft. Mcclellan, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE THE LOW CEILING, FOG, AND DRIZZLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02372. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.