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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Memory Loss Prior to Mountain Impact Near Cashiers (N5899W)

Cashiers, NC, US

On December 14, 2002, a Piper PA-28-150 (registration N5899W) was involved in an aviation accident near Cashiers, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by which he conducted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were a low ceiling and mountainous terrain. 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 reported no memory of events after initiating descent near Greenville, SC. The aircraft impacted snow-covered terrain at about 4,200 ft on White Side Mountain in North Carolina.

Incident Overview

According to statements provided by the pilot, he had recently climbed to 9,000 feet while approximately 30 miles from Greenville, South Carolina. He observed the city in the distance. After reviewing the automated terminal information service (ATIS), which indicated a cloud cover of 5,000 feet scattered at the Greenville airport, he informed the FAA Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center controller — who had been providing visual flight rules (VFR) flight following service — that he would initiate his descent in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot stated that this was the final event he recalled prior to the accident.

Accident Site

An FAA inspector who responded to the scene reported that the aircraft struck snow-covered terrain on White Side Mountain, near Cashiers, North Carolina, at approximately the 4,200-foot level.

Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on the circumstances leading up to the pilot's loss of memory and the subsequent impact. No further details have been released regarding the aircraft or the pilot's condition.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 2002 Piper PA-28-150 accident near Cashiers, NC?

A pilot reported no memory of events after initiating descent near Greenville, SC. The aircraft impacted snow-covered terrain at about 4,200 ft on White Side Mountain in North Carolina.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-150, registration N5899W, at Cashiers, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by which he conducted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were a low ceiling and mountainous terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021220X05623. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.