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Aircraft Located on Ridge Southeast of Departure Airport (N84621)

Sandy Valley, NV, US

On September 26, 1997, a Cessna 172K (registration N84621) was involved in an aviation accident near Sandy Valley, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's intentional VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous/hilly 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 reported an airport in sight and was descending when his aircraft was later found on a ridge at 3,000 feet, about 9 miles southeast of the departure airport. He had mentioned 'skud-running' and did not obtain a weather briefing.

Incident Overview

A pilot told a witness that he had been "skud-running" and had made an earlier stop due to bad weather. He stated that he was instrument rated but not current. The aircraft was found over a week after the flight, approximately 9 miles southeast of the departure airport.

Pilot Statements

Before departure, the pilot informed a witness that he intended to fly to an airport north of his position. He also mentioned that he had not obtained a weather briefing prior to taking off. After takeoff, he reported an airport in sight and transmitted that he was descending on approach.

Weather Conditions

At the departure airport, the weather was estimated to be basic VFR. However, to the south, the sky was obscured with no lateral visibility. The pilot did not receive any formal weather briefing.

Discovery of the Aircraft

The aircraft was found on the south side of an east-west ridge at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl). The off-route obstruction clearance altitude for that area was 8,800 feet msl.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 1997 Cessna 172K accident near Sandy Valley, NV?

A pilot reported an airport in sight and was descending when his aircraft was later found on a ridge at 3,000 feet, about 9 miles southeast of the departure airport. He had mentioned 'skud-running' and did not obtain a weather briefing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N84621, at Sandy Valley, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's intentional VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous/hilly terrain. Related factors were: the high/mountainous/hilly terrain, and the adverse weather condition (low ceiling).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08875. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.