Casualties unknown

Night Flight Ends After In-Flight Weather Avoidance Maneuver Leads to Tree Strike (N2116P)

Asheville, NC, US

On June 25, 2004, a Cessna 172S (registration N2116P) was involved in an aviation accident near Asheville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CFII's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clear of objects during flight. Factors were clouds and dark night. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a dark night instructional flight, a CFI and student pilot adjusted altitude multiple times to stay clear of clouds, then struck trees immediately upon reaching 3,500 feet.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a night training flight. According to the CFI, the student was flying the aircraft. Before departure, they reviewed weather data on a weather computer. After takeoff, they climbed to 7,500 feet and remained at that altitude for about one hour, using the moving map display for navigation and the multifunctional display for terrain avoidance.

Altitude Adjustments

As the flight progressed, the ceiling began to drop. To remain clear of clouds while maintaining visual flight rules, the crew adjusted their altitude to 5,500 feet. The ceiling continued to lower, prompting a further descent to 4,000 feet. Subsequently, the CFI and student descended to 3,500 feet.

Collision with Trees

The CFI reported that immediately upon reaching 3,500 feet, the airplane began colliding with tree tops. He stated that the airplane struck the trees in a level attitude.

No Additional Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, exact date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or extent of damage. No probable cause is stated in the investigation source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 2004 Cessna 172S accident near Asheville, NC?

During a dark night instructional flight, a CFI and student pilot adjusted altitude multiple times to stay clear of clouds, then struck trees immediately upon reaching 3,500 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 2004 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N2116P, at Asheville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The CFII's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clear of objects during flight. Factors were clouds and dark night.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040629X00883. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.