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Air Taxi Pilot Continues into Adverse Weather, Strikes Mountain (N1618U)

Port Alsworth, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 16, 1985, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N1618U) operated by Vanderpool Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became lost/disoriented due to inattentiveness and overconfidence; flew into known adverse weather (clouds, obscuration); improper training; lack of familiarity with aircraft and geographic area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot of an air taxi continued flight into adverse weather and struck a mountain. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.

Accident Overview

The pilot of an air taxi flight continued into adverse weather conditions and subsequently struck a mountain. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident as follows: The pilot became lost or disoriented due to inattentiveness and overconfidence in personal ability. The pilot initiated flight into known adverse weather, which included clouds and obscuration. Additionally, the pilot had received improper training and lacked familiarity with the aircraft and the geographic area.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1985 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Port Alsworth, United States of America?

The pilot of an air taxi continued flight into adverse weather and struck a mountain. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 1985 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1985 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N1618U, operated by Vanderpool Flying Service, at Port Alsworth, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot became lost/disoriented due to inattentiveness and overconfidence; flew into known adverse weather (clouds, obscuration); improper training; lack of familiarity with aircraft and geographic area.

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