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Casualties unknown

Departure Accident Involving Terrain Strike After Left Turn (N5807U)

Spruce Pine, NC, US

On July 5, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5807U) operated by David R. Clontz was involved in an aviation accident near Spruce Pine, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after turning the wrong way in a traffic pattern. 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

An airplane departing runway 16 with a slight tailwind struck trees on a mountainside after a climbing left turn. The pilot was unaware of recommended right-hand traffic patterns due to missing signage.

Accident Summary

An airplane departed runway 16 with a slight tailwind and executed a climbing left turn. Approximately three minutes later, the aircraft struck trees on the side of a mountain and began burning.

Traffic Pattern Information

The published procedure in the Airport Facility Directory (AFD) for departing that airport recommends right turning traffic patterns due to the surrounding mountainous terrain.

Pilot Statements

When queried about the recommended right-hand pattern, the pilot stated he was unable to find Avery County-Morrison Field in the AFD and saw no signs indicating the direction of the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he looked in the AFD under both "Avery County" and "Morrison Field," but the airport is listed under "Spruce Pine."

Subsequent Actions

Following the accident, the airport facility placed signs throughout the main building and on the runways to indicate traffic pattern direction.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Spruce Pine, NC?

An airplane departing runway 16 with a slight tailwind struck trees on a mountainside after a climbing left turn. The pilot was unaware of recommended right-hand traffic patterns due to missing signage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5807U, operated by David R. Clontz, at Spruce Pine, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after turning the wrong way in a traffic pattern.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.