Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument-Rated Pilot's Solo Cross-Country Flight Ends with Wreckage Found Three Days Later (N23371)

Tremonton, UT, US

On January 4, 1998, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N23371) operated by U.s. Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Tremonton, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, becoming spatially disoriented and his subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors were the dark night and weather conditions that included obscuration and snow. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A noninstrument-rated private pilot, flying a solo cross-country trip, was advised twice by FSS that VFR flight was not recommended. Radar showed deviation from the airway and maneuvering in a weather cell. Wreckage was found three days later.

Flight Planning and Departure

A noninstrument-rated private pilot, a foreign national, embarked on a solo cross-country flight to fulfill experience requirements for commercial pilot certification. The pilot received a weather briefing from Flight Service Station (FSS) and was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. Despite this, the pilot filed a VFR flight plan and departed from Ogden, Utah.

Stop in Caldwell and Return Leg

The pilot arrived in Caldwell, Idaho, refueled, and obtained another FSS weather briefing. Again, the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot filed another VFR flight plan and departed Caldwell en route back to Ogden.

Radar Observations and Maneuvering

Radar data indicated that the pilot did not track the airway to Malad City, Idaho, but instead followed a highway to the vicinity of Tremonton, Utah. There, the aircraft was observed maneuvering within a 'primary weather cell.'

Wreckage Discovery

The wreckage was located three days later within 0.1 mile of the last radar contact. No further details about the aircraft or pilot condition were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jan 1998 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Tremonton, UT?

A noninstrument-rated private pilot, flying a solo cross-country trip, was advised twice by FSS that VFR flight was not recommended. Radar showed deviation from the airway and maneuvering in a weather cell. Wreckage was found three days later.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jan 1998 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N23371, operated by U.s. Aviation, at Tremonton, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, becoming spatially disoriented and his subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors were the dark night and weather conditions that included obscuration and snow.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09417. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.