Cessna 172R accident near Okmulgee, Oklahoma, September 19, 2014
On September 19, 2014 at about 12:40 pm local time, a 2006 Cessna 172R, registered N2435R, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Okmulgee, Oklahoma (Okmulgee Rgnl airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 19, 2014 · about 12:40 pm local time
- Place
- Okmulgee, Oklahoma · Okmulgee Rgnl · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed.
- Weather
- instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 172R, built 2006 · all 172Rs on the register
- Registration
- N2435R · no longer on the register · serial 17281328
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The instrument-rated pilot obtained weather information about 1 hour 45 minutes before takeoff. The weather information included an AIRMET that indicated that instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions existed at the takeoff and destination locations and along the intended route of flight due to precipitation and mist. No evidence was found indicating that the pilot obtained additional weather information. Radar data showed the airplane proceeding toward the destination airport until about 22 miles from the destination, at which point the airplane began a series of turns for undetermined reasons before attempting an approach to a different airport. Radar data then showed the airplane enter a climbing turn away from the airport that did not follow any published missed approach procedure. Shortly after performing the turn, the airplane collided with trees and terrain. There is no evidence that the pilot attempted to obtain an IFR clearance or made any distress calls. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had several medical conditions; however, there is no evidence that a medical condition contributed to the accident.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Miscellaneous/other during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Other weather encounter during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
The NTSB's findings
- cause Environmental issues › Physical environment › Terrain › (general) › Awareness of condition
- Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Ceiling/visibility/precip › Low visibility › Decision related to condition
- Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Ceiling/visibility/precip › Low ceiling › Decision related to condition
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 720 hours in all; 8.8 in the last 90 days; 0 in the last 30 days
- Last flight review: June 29, 2013
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,517.1 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, August 20, 2014; 34 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,450 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming IO-360-L2A (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: FWS Fort Worth TX at 10:00 am
- Destination: RVS Tulsa OK
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 18, 5,150 ft by 101 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 200 ft; ovct at 200 ft
- Temperature: 68°F (20°C), dew point 68°F (20°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 12:35 pm from KOKM, 3 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.