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Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Mountain in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (N2869F)

Rohrersville, MD, US

On August 11, 2001, a Piper PA-28RT-201 (registration N2869F) was involved in an aviation accident near Rohrersville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued VFR flight into obscured, mountanous terrain. Factors included the rising terrain and weather obscuration. 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 airplane was observed flying in and out of clouds before impacting a mountain at 1,355 feet elevation. The ridgeline peak at 1,800 feet was obscured by low clouds. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

Accident Details

The accident occurred when the airplane, observed maneuvering in and out of cloud cover, struck a mountain at an elevation of 1,355 feet. The peak of the ridgeline, located three-quarters of a mile east of the accident site, rose to 1,800 feet mean sea level.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions included mist and fog. The mountain peak was obscured by low cloud ceilings. An AIRMET had been issued for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and mountain obscuration.

Pilot Actions

The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan on the day of the accident.

Aircraft Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 2001 Piper PA-28RT-201 accident near Rohrersville, MD?

An airplane was observed flying in and out of clouds before impacting a mountain at 1,355 feet elevation. The ridgeline peak at 1,800 feet was obscured by low clouds. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 2001 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201, registration N2869F, at Rohrersville, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued VFR flight into obscured, mountanous terrain. Factors included the rising terrain and weather obscuration.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010823X01762. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.