Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Mountainous Terrain during Night VFR Flight (N199GL)

Neihart, MT, US

On August 18, 2004, a Beech BE-99 (registration N199GL) was involved in an aviation accident near Neihart, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during cruise, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Dark night conditions and mountainous terrain were contributing factors. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On a non-scheduled Part 135 VFR cross-country flight, the airplane struck a mountain at approximately 9,100 feet MSL in dark night conditions. No mechanical problems were found.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during the return leg of a non-scheduled 14 CFR Part 135 VFR cross-country flight. The airplane collided with mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 9,100 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Dark night conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Flight Information

Prior to the accident, the pilot informed air traffic control that the flight was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) and was level at an altitude of 8,500 feet MSL. The aircraft subsequently impacted the south-facing slope of a 9,100-foot mountain near the last recorded radar position.

Accident Site

Wreckage and impact signatures at the crash site were indicative of high energy and a shallow impact angle with the terrain. The airplane came to rest on the mountain slope.

Investigation

The investigation revealed no evidence of any aircraft mechanical problems. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040825X01285. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.