Casualties unknown

Airplane Wreckage Located in Mountainous Terrain After Pilot Receives Weather Advisory (N61611)

Molalla, OR, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 2004 Cessna A185F accident near Molalla, OR?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 2004 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N61611, at Molalla, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040524X00649. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.