FlightFinder
Check my flight
3 fatalities

Night Instructional Flight Ends in Fatal Terrain Impact (N404RS)

Saint Louis-Weiss (Fenton), United States of AmericaFlight

On February 25, 1985, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N404RS) operated by WTS Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Louis-Weiss (Fenton), United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In flight collision with terrain/water during approach - vfr pattern - base turn and descent - uncontrolled. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A night instructional flight with three occupants ended in a fatal crash northeast of the airport. The aircraft entered a steep descent during a pattern maneuver, impacting terrain in a wooded area.

Flight Details and Crew Composition The aircraft was conducting a night instructional flight with two multi-engine instructor pilots at the controls and a rated pilot in a rear passenger seat. The right front seat occupant was an experienced multi-engine pilot with 110 hours in the specific make and model, though his second-class medical certificate was issued in January 1983. The left front seat occupant had recently received his multi-engine instructor rating and possessed only 3 hours in the make and model. He held a current medical certificate and was presumed to be the pilot-in-command.

Probable cause

In flight collision with terrain/water during approach - vfr pattern - base turn and descent - uncontrolled
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Saint Louis-Weiss (Fenton), United States of America?

A night instructional flight with three occupants ended in a fatal crash northeast of the airport. The aircraft entered a steep descent during a pattern maneuver, impacting terrain in a wooded area.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 1985 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N404RS, operated by WTS Inc., at Saint Louis-Weiss (Fenton), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In flight collision with terrain/water during approach - vfr pattern - base turn and descent - uncontrolled

More accident analyses