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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Destroyed After Impacting Trees in Mountainous Terrain (N4982F)

Markleeville, CA, US

On October 27, 1997, a Cessna U206B (registration N4982F) operated by Reinhold J. Lukas was involved in an aviation accident near Markleeville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous 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

An aircraft was destroyed after striking trees at 7,850 feet msl in mountainous terrain. Examination revealed near-level flight at impact, with weight exceeding max certificated takeoff weight. Owner-installed modifications were not inspected.

Accident Overview

An aircraft was destroyed when it impacted trees in mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 7,850 feet mean sea level (msl). The density altitude at the time was calculated to be about 8,400 feet. Examination of the tree strike pattern and aircraft wreckage indicated that the aircraft was in near level flight at the moment of initial tree contact.

Aircraft Weight and Modifications

The aircraft's gross weight at impact was calculated to be approximately 3,900 pounds. The maximum certificated takeoff weight for the aircraft was 3,500 pounds. The owner had personally installed a set of amphibious floats and a three-blade propeller. This installation was not inspected or signed off for return to service, and no evidence was found that the weight and balance had been recomputed following these modifications.

Mechanical Examination

Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunction. No pre-impact anomalies were identified in the structure or powerplant.

Conclusion

The aircraft impacted trees in mountainous terrain. No probable cause was stated in the investigation findings.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 1997 Cessna U206B accident near Markleeville, CA?

An aircraft was destroyed after striking trees at 7,850 feet msl in mountainous terrain. Examination revealed near-level flight at impact, with weight exceeding max certificated takeoff weight. Owner-installed modifications were not inspected.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna U206B, registration N4982F, operated by Reinhold J. Lukas, at Markleeville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the excessive gross weight of the airplane, the high density altitude, and the high (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/20001208X09049. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.