Casualties unknown

Investigation: No Weather Briefing or Flight Plan Before Accident in Mountainous Terrain (N3448V)

Willard, KY, US

On January 18, 2000, a Cessna 195 (registration N3448V) was involved in an aviation accident near Willard, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and snow showers. 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 departing Parkersburg, West Virginia en route to St. Petersburg, Florida was observed flying near snow showers and mountainous terrain about 15 minutes before the accident. Witnesses reported hearing two passes and an engine revving to full power before silence. No weather briefing or flight plan was on record.

Accident Overview

According to investigation records, there was no record of a weather briefing or flight plan for the accident pilot or airplane with any flight service station. The pilot departed Parkersburg, West Virginia, with the intended destination of Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Witness Observations

Approximately 15 minutes before the accident, a witness observed the pilot flying about 800 feet above the ground in the vicinity of snow showers, near mountainous terrain. Witnesses who resided near the accident site reported seeing snow showers throughout the day. They heard an airplane make two passes overhead, an engine revved to full power, and then silence.

Weather Conditions

The reported ceiling at an airport approximately 20 miles from the accident site was 600 feet overcast.

Investigation Status

The investigation is ongoing. No probable cause has been determined at this time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 2000 Cessna 195 accident near Willard, KY?

A pilot departing Parkersburg, West Virginia en route to St. Petersburg, Florida was observed flying near snow showers and mountainous terrain about 15 minutes before the accident. Witnesses reported hearing two passes and an engine revving to full power before silence. No weather briefing or flight plan was on record.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 2000 involved a Cessna 195, registration N3448V, at Willard, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and snow showers.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.