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Casualties unknown

Pilot Unable to Climb Due to Clouds Before Collision with Mountain Pass (N6549W)

Oak Hills, CA, US

On October 5, 2007, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6549W) operated by Raymond E. Roessler was involved in an aviation accident near Oak Hills, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were mountainous terrain, dark night, and fog. 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

During a night flight, a pilot reported being at 3,700 feet with clouds above preventing climb. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain at 4,196 feet. Heavy fog and limited visibility were reported at the pass summit.

Accident Overview

During a night cruise flight, the pilot contacted air traffic control, stating that he was at 3,700 feet above a freeway interchange at the base of a mountain pass. The pilot reported that he could not climb because clouds were present above him, preventing further ascent. The accident site was located at the summit of the pass at an approximate elevation of 4,196 feet.

Witness and Site Conditions

A deputy sheriff traversing the pass shortly before the accident noted heavy fog and very limited visibility at the top of the pass. As the deputy proceeded downhill, visibility improved after descending below the cloud layer. The deputy observed an airplane flying upward toward the pass.

Impact Evidence

Ground scars and impact signatures at the accident site were consistent with controlled flight into terrain. Investigators found no anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Oct 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Oak Hills, CA?

During a night flight, a pilot reported being at 3,700 feet with clouds above preventing climb. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain at 4,196 feet. Heavy fog and limited visibility were reported at the pass summit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Oct 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6549W, operated by Raymond E. Roessler, at Oak Hills, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were mountainous terrain, dark night, and fog.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071017X01608. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.