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Casualties unknown

Pilot Departs Without In-Flight Weather Advisories; Wreckage Found in Mountainous Terrain Nine Days Later (N513FL)

Stuart, VA, US

On November 10, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N513FL) was involved in an aviation accident near Stuart, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions during cruise flight. Factors in the accident were the low ceiling, dark night, and the pilot's failure to obtain in-flight weather advisories. 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 instrument-rated pilot obtained weather information before a night cross-country flight but did not request in-flight advisories. The airplane was reported missing and found nine days later in mountainous terrain. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

Background

Approximately two hours before departure, the instrument-rated pilot accessed weather information through the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS). The data obtained included surface observations, radar summaries, and terminal forecasts for areas along the intended route of flight. However, the pilot did not request or obtain in-flight weather advisories, which had been issued for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, mountain obscuration, icing, and turbulence along the same route.

Weather Conditions

Surface observations from airports along the intended route indicated that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the flight. Despite these conditions, the pilot departed on the night cross-country flight without filing a flight plan.

Accident Sequence

The airplane was reported missing after failing to arrive at its destination. Search efforts located the wreckage nine days later in mountainous terrain. The accident site was situated at an elevation of approximately 2,600 feet above mean sea level (MSL), while the surrounding mountain peak reached an elevation of about 3,211 feet MSL.

Wreckage Examination

Initial tree impact scars encompassed several trees and appeared level along the tops of the trees. The scars measured approximately 30 feet in width and became progressively lower and narrower in the direction of the wreckage. A thorough examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Stuart, VA?

An instrument-rated pilot obtained weather information before a night cross-country flight but did not request in-flight advisories. The airplane was reported missing and found nine days later in mountainous terrain. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N513FL, at Stuart, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions during cruise flight. Factors in the accident were the low ceiling, dark night, and the pilot's failure to obtain in-flight weather advisories.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001220X45454. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.