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Casualties unknown

Pilot Impacts Mountain After Diversion in Dark Night Conditions (N5GM)

Mead, WA, US

On December 14, 1995, a Cessna 340A (registration N5GM) was involved in an aviation accident near Mead, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance in mountainous terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were: dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and instrument meteorological conditions. 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 diverted to pick up a passenger, departed in dark night, and impacted a mountain in level flight about 25 miles from departure. ATC vectored another aircraft to the area after losing contact.

Background

The pilot's departure plans changed when, instead of flying direct to his originally planned destination, he was asked to pick up a passenger at another airport prior to returning home.

Flight

He departed for his alternative destination in dark night conditions. After takeoff, he leveled off at his cruise altitude.

Accident

The aircraft impacted the side of a mountain in level flight approximately 25 miles from his departure point.

Aftermath

Air Traffic Control vectored another aircraft to the vicinity after communications and radar contact were lost with the accident aircraft. The crew of that aircraft reported that instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time in the vicinity of the crash site.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 1995 Cessna 340A accident near Mead, WA?

A pilot diverted to pick up a passenger, departed in dark night, and impacted a mountain in level flight about 25 miles from departure. ATC vectored another aircraft to the area after losing contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 1995 involved a Cessna 340A, registration N5GM, at Mead, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance in mountainous terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were: dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and instrument meteorological conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.