CESSNA 172F near Routt County, CO — 2015-01-25

Probable cause

The pilot’s intentional flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while en route to his destination airport, he became emotional and decided to intentionally fly his airplane into the side of a mountain in an attempt to commit suicide. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot's decision to attempt suicide by flying into a mountain.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Maneuvering

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Conversation - Darlingother
• Photo 1 - Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of USFS)photos
• Photo 2 - Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of USFS)photos

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