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2 fatalities

Night VFR into IMC Leads to Controlled Flight Into Terrain (N57NW)

Tremonton, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 9, 1995, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N57NW) operated by Mistystar was involved in an aviation accident near Tremonton, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with the mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds, and the dark night. 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

An instrument-rated private pilot on an IFR flight plan attempted a visual approach through a cloud hole at night, descended rapidly, and impacted mountainous terrain. The accident was attributed to the pilot's decision to fly VFR in instrument conditions and failure to maintain altitude clearance.

Accident Overview

An instrument-rated private pilot was conducting a night flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) when the accident occurred. The intended destination was an uncontrolled airport that had no instrument approaches. The airplane was flying above an overcast layer of clouds.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initially informed air traffic control (ATC) of an intention to locate a hole in the overcast and attempt a visual approach into the uncontrolled airport. Subsequently, the pilot reported being unable to find a suitable hole and requested—and received—an IFR clearance to a larger controlled airport. While en route to that alternate airport, the pilot advised ATC that a hole had been found and initiated a visual approach back to the original uncontrolled airport.

ATC issued a cruise clearance at 12,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The pilot then commenced a descent at a rate of 2,280 feet per minute. The airplane impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 6,200 feet MSL.

Environmental Conditions

Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed in the vicinity of the accident site. No distress calls from the airplane were recorded.

Wreckage Examination

An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Occupants

Both occupants were killed in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with the mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds, and the dark night.

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