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6 fatalities

Fatal Mountain Collision in Adverse Weather (N45CH)

Cairo, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 15, 1989, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N45CH) operated by Aero Venture was involved in an aviation accident near Cairo, United States of America during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather and his failure to select an altitude that would provide terrain clearance. Factors were the adverse weather and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted conditions. 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 archiveUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with a 3,400-foot mountain at 2,500 feet MSL in heavy snow and low visibility. All six occupants were killed. The pilot had been briefed on marginal VFR and IFR conditions but did not file a flight plan.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions During a preflight weather briefing, the instrument-rated pilot was informed by an AFSS specialist that marginal VFR and IFR conditions would prevail along the planned route. Despite this information, the pilot did not file a flight plan. A New York State Trooper, located approximately five miles from the crash site, reported that snow was falling very hard and visibility was low at the time of the accident. ## Radar Data and Terrain Impact The aircraft was last depicted on radar at 2,500 feet MSL while heading toward high terrain. The airplane subsequently struck a 3,400-foot mountain at an elevation of 2,500 feet. The collision resulted in the deaths of all six occupants on board. ## Search and Recovery The aircraft was missing for four days before being located by the crew of a New York State Police helicopter. The discovery confirmed the fatal outcome of the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather and his failure to select an altitude that would provide terrain clearance. Factors were the adverse weather and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1989 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Cairo, United States of America?

An aircraft collided with a 3,400-foot mountain at 2,500 feet MSL in heavy snow and low visibility. All six occupants were killed. The pilot had been briefed on marginal VFR and IFR conditions but did not file a flight plan.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1989 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1989 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N45CH, operated by Aero Venture, at Cairo, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather and his failure to select an altitude that would provide terrain clearance. Factors were the adverse weather and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted conditions.

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