FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

VFR-Only Pilot Continues into Fog, Crashes on Crow Mountain (N3010W)

Atkins, AR, US

On January 21, 1996, a Beech 58 (registration N3010W) was involved in an aviation accident near Atkins, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Continued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous/hilly terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A VFR-only private pilot flying a multiengine airplane continued into clouds and fog during a cross-country flight, crashing into Crow Mountain. The airplane was destroyed by postimpact fire. No preimpact anomalies were found.

Accident Overview

The accident involved a multiengine airplane operated by an instrument-rated private pilot who was restricted to VFR-only operations. The flight was conducted as a day VFR cross-country. According to the investigation, the pilot continued towards his destination airport after encountering clouds and fog along the route.

Flight and Weather Conditions

The airplane wreckage was located approximately 350 feet beyond the crest of Crow Mountain, about 7.12 nautical miles east of the destination airport. Residents near the accident site reported that the weather at the time was foggy, with visibility ranging from 100 feet to 1/4 mile. The pilot's decision to proceed despite the deteriorating conditions occurred while operating under VFR-only limitations.

Wreckage and Investigation

A postimpact fire destroyed the airplane. Investigators examined the airframe and engines and found no evidence of any preimpact structural or mechanical anomaly. The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident based on the available evidence.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beechcraft Baron 58 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 1996 Beech 58 accident near Atkins, AR?

A VFR-only private pilot flying a multiengine airplane continued into clouds and fog during a cross-country flight, crashing into Crow Mountain. The airplane was destroyed by postimpact fire. No preimpact anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 1996 involved a Beech 58, registration N3010W, at Atkins, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Continued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: low ceiling, fog, and high terrain in the area of the accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05127. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.