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Night Cross-Country Flight Ends in Mountain Collision (N33049)

Nesquehoning, PA, US

On December 13, 1994, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N33049) was involved in an aviation accident near Nesquehoning, PA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the non-instrument-rated pilot's poor in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, at night, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to ensure clearance from obstructions/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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A non-instrument rated private pilot lost radio contact during a night cross-country flight over mountainous terrain. The aircraft collided with trees on Broad Mountain and was destroyed by impact and fire.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A non-instrument rated private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight at night over a mountainous area. During the flight, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) and requested flight following services. ATC instructed the pilot to maintain 5,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), and the pilot climbed to that altitude. The pilot had received a weather briefing that indicated marginal visual flight rules (VFR) weather and flight precautions for mountain obscuration along the planned route of flight. A special weather observation from Allentown, located about 25 miles south, reported snow showers with 1.5 miles visibility in fog at 1822 Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 1994 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Nesquehoning, PA?

A non-instrument rated private pilot lost radio contact during a night cross-country flight over mountainous terrain. The aircraft collided with trees on Broad Mountain and was destroyed by impact and fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Dec 1994 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 1994 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N33049, at Nesquehoning, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the non-instrument-rated pilot's poor in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, at night, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to ensure clearance from obstructions/terrain. Related factors were the instrument meteorological flight conditions (low ceiling and…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02687. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.