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Casualties unknown

Pilot Continues VFR Flight Despite Marginal Conditions, Collides with Mountain (N3698Y)

Dawsonville, GA, US

On August 8, 1995, a Cessna 210C (registration N3698Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Dawsonville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER FORECAST AND FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER (INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CONDITIONS), RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WHILE MANEUVERING IN MOUNTAINOUS 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 obtained a weather briefing indicating marginal VFR to IFR conditions, then departed and collided with mountainous terrain in a descending right turn under IFR conditions. The aircraft was found 11 days later.

Accident Overview

A pilot operating under visual flight rules (VFR) departed and made an intermediate landing to check weather conditions along the planned route. At the intermediate airport, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from a flight service station. The briefing advised of a stationary front and marginal VFR to instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions along the route. Despite the advisory, the pilot departed again under VFR.

Collision with Terrain

During the flight, the airplane collided with mountainous terrain while maneuvering in a descending right turn. At the time of the accident, IFR conditions prevailed in the area.

Discovery and Pilot Background

The wreckage was located 11 days after the accident. The pilot's logbook was not found. However, friends of the pilot reported that he had verbally indicated on several occasions that he had not flown on instruments in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) for over 20 years.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1995 Cessna 210C accident near Dawsonville, GA?

A pilot flying VFR obtained a weather briefing indicating marginal VFR to IFR conditions, then departed and collided with mountainous terrain in a descending right turn under IFR conditions. The aircraft was found 11 days later.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 210C, registration N3698Y, at Dawsonville, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE WEATHER FORECAST AND FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER (INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CONDITIONS), RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WHILE MANEUVERING IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT FLYING IN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04314. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.