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4 fatalities

Night VFR Approach Leads to Mountain Impact, Four Killed (N18PP)

Cedar City, United States of AmericaFlight

On April 25, 1990, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N18PP) operated by N18PP Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain a minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain during a night VFR approach for landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night VFR approach to Cedar City Airport, a pilot failed to maintain the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain, resulting in an impact six miles east of the airport. All four occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a general aviation aircraft reported to air traffic control (ATC) that he intended to make an unscheduled fuel stop. ATC advised that Cedar City Airport was approximately 15 minutes away. The pilot requested and received radar vectors to the airport.

Approach and Collision

Despite dark night conditions, the pilot did not activate the pilot-controlled airport lighting. He reported the airport in sight and was cleared for a visual approach. Three minutes later, radar contact was lost.

The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 9,100 feet, about six miles east of the airport, which has an elevation of 5,622 feet. The minimum safe altitude in the area was 12,400 feet. All four occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain a minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain during a night VFR approach for landing.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1990 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Cedar City, United States of America?

During a night VFR approach to Cedar City Airport, a pilot failed to maintain the minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain, resulting in an impact six miles east of the airport. All four occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1990 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1990 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N18PP, operated by N18PP Inc., at Cedar City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain a minimum safe altitude over mountainous terrain during a night VFR approach for landing.

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