Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Weather, Collides with Terrain on Flight from Rock Springs to Broadus (N4728F)

Riverton, WY, US

On April 7, 1998, a Cessna P206B (registration N4728F) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverton, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: continued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude from terrain, while manuevering to reverse direction. 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 obtained a weather briefing, took off from Rock Springs, WY, en route to Broadus, MT, then encountered light drizzle and snow showers, and collided with terrain while attempting to reverse direction.

Incident Overview

A pilot planning a flight from Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Broadus, Montana, obtained a weather briefing before departure. During the briefing, the pilot was informed that Gillette, Wyoming, and Billings, Montana, were reporting instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The briefer also stated that no weather information was available for Riverton, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) were present at Rock Springs at the time of departure.

Preflight Decision

Based on the VMC at the departure airport, the pilot decided to take off and assess the en route weather conditions during the flight. The aircraft departed Rock Springs and proceeded toward Broadus.

In-Flight Weather Encounter

While in cruise flight, the aircraft entered a line of light drizzle and snow showers. The pilot attempted to reverse the direction of flight, presumably to exit the adverse weather.

Collision with Terrain

During the attempt to reverse direction, the airplane collided with terrain. The source does not provide further details regarding the outcome of the collision, the aircraft type, registration, or any injuries or damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Apr 1998 Cessna P206B accident near Riverton, WY?

A pilot obtained a weather briefing, took off from Rock Springs, WY, en route to Broadus, MT, then encountered light drizzle and snow showers, and collided with terrain while attempting to reverse direction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna P206B, registration N4728F, at Riverton, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

continued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude from terrain, while manuevering to reverse direction. Related factors were: the adverse weather conditions, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09855. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.