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6 fatalities

Six Killed in Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash Near Reading (N3248Q)

Mohrsville, United States of AmericaFlight

On June 19, 1968, a Cessna 401 (registration N3248Q) operated by Teterboro Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Mohrsville, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions and attempted operation beyond experience/ability level. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising in marginal weather, a twin-engine aircraft encountered severe turbulence, lost control, and crashed in an open field near Reading. All six occupants were killed. The probable cause was continued VFR flight into adverse weather and operation beyond the pilot's experience, leading to structural failure.

Accident Overview

While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the pilot of a twin-engine aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Control was lost, and the aircraft entered a dive, crashing in an open field located in Mohrsville, north of Reading. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all six occupants were killed.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the pilot continued operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in adverse weather conditions and attempted operation beyond his or her experience and ability level. Turbulence associated with clouds and/or thunderstorm activity exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft. This caused the horizontal stabilizer to buckle on both sides from positive air loads.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident, as stated by the investigation, was that the pilot continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions and attempted operation beyond experience/ability level. Turbulence associated with clouds and/or thunderstorm activity exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft, causing the horizontal stabilizer to buckle on both sides from positive air loads.

Structural failureWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 1968 Cessna 401 accident near Mohrsville, United States of America?

While cruising in marginal weather, a twin-engine aircraft encountered severe turbulence, lost control, and crashed in an open field near Reading. All six occupants were killed. The probable cause was continued VFR flight into adverse weather and operation beyond the pilot's experience, leading to structural failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 1968 Cessna 401 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 1968 involved a Cessna 401, registration N3248Q, operated by Teterboro Aircraft, at Mohrsville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions and attempted operation beyond experience/ability level. Turbulence associated with clouds and/or thunderstorm activity exceeded the designed stress limits of the aircraft, causing the horizontal stabilizer to buckle on both sides from positive air loads.

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