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Loss of Radio and Radar Contact Precedes Crash in Mountainous Terrain (N30DS)

Fontana, NC, US

On May 5, 1999, a Cessna 172 (registration N30DS) was involved in an aviation accident near Fontana, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot continued visual flight into know weather conditions which resulted in reduced visibility, and the subsequent in-flight collision with rising terrain. Factors in this accidents were clouds and low ceiling in the accident area. 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 pilot reported visual ground contact while navigating near clouds over mountainous terrain. Approximately eight minutes later, radar and radio contact were lost. The aircraft was later found crashed in a heavily wooded, remote area.

Radio Contact and Weather Advisory

The pilot of the aircraft, identified as N30DS, established radio contact with approach control while maintaining an altitude of 8,500 feet. The controller advised that cloud tops in the area were at 7,000 feet MSL and cloud bases were at 3,400 feet MSL. The pilot responded, stating he could see the ground and was familiar with the mountainous terrain.

Subsequent Events

Approximately eight minutes after initial contact, both radio and radar contact were lost simultaneously. The aircraft subsequently impacted mountainous, rising terrain in a heavily wooded area. Due to adverse weather, extremely rough terrain, and the crash site's remoteness, ground search teams were unable to reach the wreckage for several days.

ATC Communication Regarding Weather

A recorded exchange between two air traffic controllers referenced weather conditions at Knoxville and the position of N30DS. One controller noted that the pilot appeared to be attempting to avoid clouds, adding that there were no visible breaks in the cloud cover. The other controller remarked that the pilot claimed to see the ground, and it was ultimately the pilot's decision to descend if possible.

Examination of Wreckage

Post-accident examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no discrepancies. Control cable continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1999 Cessna 172 accident near Fontana, NC?

A pilot reported visual ground contact while navigating near clouds over mountainous terrain. Approximately eight minutes later, radar and radio contact were lost. The aircraft was later found crashed in a heavily wooded, remote area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1999 involved a Cessna 172, registration N30DS, at Fontana, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot continued visual flight into know weather conditions which resulted in reduced visibility, and the subsequent in-flight collision with rising terrain. Factors in this accidents were clouds and low ceiling in the accident area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18833. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.