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Pilot Killed in Controlled Collision with Mount Shasta After VFR Flight into Adverse Weather (N1938W)

Mt Shasta, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 22, 1981, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N1938W) operated by Calif Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Shasta, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled collision with ground during normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 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 archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying under VFR in very bad weather lost orientation and struck the slope of Mount Shasta at 13,600 feet. The sole occupant was killed. The probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after continuing VFR into adverse conditions.

Accident Details

While cruising under visual flight rules (VFR) in very bad weather conditions at an altitude of 13,600 feet, the pilot lost his orientation and became lost. The twin-engine airplane subsequently struck the slope of Mount Shasta. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was killed.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was a controlled collision with ground during normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported: the pilot became lost/disoriented, improper in-flight decisions, low ceiling, fog, icing conditions, turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorms, and visibility down to zero.

Controlled flight into terrainIcingWeather

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jan 1981 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Mt Shasta, United States of America?

A pilot flying under VFR in very bad weather lost orientation and struck the slope of Mount Shasta at 13,600 feet. The sole occupant was killed. The probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after continuing VFR into adverse conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jan 1981 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jan 1981 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N1938W, operated by Calif Air Charter, at Mt Shasta, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled collision with ground during normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: lost/disoriented, improper in-flight decisions, low ceiling, fog, icing conditions, turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorms, visibility down to zero.

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