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Casualties unknown

Instructional Flight Ends with Tree Impact During Mountain Flying Clinic (N848LF)

Richwood, WV, US

On September 21, 1996, a Cessna 172P (registration N848LF) was involved in an aviation accident near Richwood, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight crew, and inadequate supervision by the check pilot, which resulted in the flight crew's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from trees on rising 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 Civil Air Patrol instructional flight during a mountain flying clinic struck trees and came to rest inverted after the crew attempted to climb over rising terrain while flying below a ridge at 70 knots with flaps deployed.

Accident Details

Two pilots and a CAP check pilot were conducting an instructional flight at a Civil Air Patrol-sponsored mountain flying clinic. The left-seat pilot was on his first mission at the clinic. The right-seat pilot, a CAP check pilot, was providing instruction on contour mountain searches.

Flight Sequence

During the flight, the airplane was operating at approximately 500 feet below a ridge, maintaining 70 knots with 10 degrees of flaps. The occupants observed that the terrain ahead was rising. In response, the check pilot directed the left-seat pilot to apply full power, climb, and fly straight ahead.

Impact and Resting Position

The airplane subsequently impacted trees while in a wings-level, climbing attitude. After impact, the aircraft came to rest inverted in the trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 1996 Cessna 172P accident near Richwood, WV?

A Civil Air Patrol instructional flight during a mountain flying clinic struck trees and came to rest inverted after the crew attempted to climb over rising terrain while flying below a ridge at 70 knots with flaps deployed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 1996 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N848LF, at Richwood, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight crew, and inadequate supervision by the check pilot, which resulted in the flight crew's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from trees on rising terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: rising/mountainous terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06757. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.