On May 19, 2004, a Cessna A185F (registration N61611) was involved in an aviation accident near Molalla, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain control. Factors include mountain obscuration, clouds and convective weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a cross-country flight received a weather advisory warning of thunderstorms, icing, and mountain obscuration but proceeded. The airplane later went missing and was found wrecked in mountains southeast of the destination.
Flight and Weather Update
The pilot was completing the final leg of a cross-country flight that had originated earlier in the day. Approximately 44 miles west of Boise, Idaho, the pilot received an in-flight weather update for the intended route. The weather specialist advised the pilot of areas of thunderstorms, icing, and mountain obscuration along the route. The specialist further informed the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended in areas of higher terrain.
Pilot's Response and Subsequent Events
After receiving the update, the pilot informed the specialist that he could see convective activity ahead. The pilot subsequently failed to arrive at the planned destination. An Alert Notice (ALNOT) was issued for the missing airplane.
Wreckage Discovery
The airplane wreckage was later located in mountainous terrain approximately 40 miles southeast of the pilot's planned destination. Widespread areas of instrument meteorological conditions were reported along the pilot's route of flight.