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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees on Mountain During Special VFR Flight (N1499U)

Rabun Gap, GA, US

On October 24, 1997, a Cessna 172M (registration N1499U) was involved in an aviation accident near Rabun Gap, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued flight under visual flight rules into known instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude for terrain clearance resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and the ground on the side of a mountain. 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 aircraft on a special VFR flight collided with trees on a mountain at 4,400 ft MSL, 15 miles southeast of its destination. Postcrash examination found no precrash failures or malfunctions. Weather stations reported broken to overcast ceilings and reduced visibility.

Background

Prior to the flight, the pilot received a weather briefing indicating that instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions were present along the route near the destination. The flight made an en route stop approximately 57 miles south of the destination, where a special VFR clearance was obtained to land due to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). After departing that airport with another special VFR clearance, the flight changed to a different frequency and no further transmissions were received.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft wreckage was located on a mountain at an elevation of 4,400 feet mean sea level (MSL), on terrain that reached 4,600 feet MSL. The site was 15 miles southeast of the intended destination. The aircraft collided with trees while on a northerly heading and in a level attitude. The impact caused separation of the outboard wings.

Postcrash Examination

A postcrash examination of the aircraft, flight controls, and engine found no evidence of any precrash failure or malfunction.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather reporting stations near the crash site reported broken to overcast ceilings between 3,800 and 4,200 feet MSL, with visibilities ranging from 1.5 to 5 miles in mist and light rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1997 Cessna 172M accident near Rabun Gap, GA?

An aircraft on a special VFR flight collided with trees on a mountain at 4,400 ft MSL, 15 miles southeast of its destination. Postcrash examination found no precrash failures or malfunctions. Weather stations reported broken to overcast ceilings and reduced visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1499U, at Rabun Gap, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued flight under visual flight rules into known instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude for terrain clearance resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and the ground on the side of a mountain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.