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Casualties unknown

Night VFR Flight Ends in Collision with Terrain (N5787J)

Baudette, MN, US

On January 11, 2004, a Cessna 182P (registration N5787J) was involved in an aviation accident near Baudette, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, low ceiling, low altitude, and the dark night conditions. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A non-instrument rated pilot attempted a night return flight in IFR conditions. The aircraft was destroyed after colliding with trees and terrain 7.5 miles from the departure airport.

Accident Overview and Conditions The aircraft was destroyed during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain in an uninhabited, wooded area located 7-1/2 miles from the departure airport. Night instrument meteorological conditions were present at the time of the accident. An Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at the departure airport reported overcast ceilings at 800 feet above ground level (agl). An AIRMET for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions was in effect for the route, warning of possible ceilings below 1,000 feet agl and visibilities under 3 statute miles due to mist and fog. Sunset occurred at 1643, and civil twilight ended at 1719.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jan 2004 Cessna 182P accident near Baudette, MN?

A non-instrument rated pilot attempted a night return flight in IFR conditions. The aircraft was destroyed after colliding with trees and terrain 7.5 miles from the departure airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jan 2004 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N5787J, at Baudette, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, low ceiling, low altitude, and the dark night conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040120X00077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.