Pilot Debrief

AVIAT A1 near Evanston, WY — 2025-10-04

Final reportWPR26LA048
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Date
2025-10-04
Location
Evanston, WY, USA
Airport
EVW
Aircraft
AVIAT A1
Registration
N96WJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with downdrafts in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight through mountainous terrain in marginal weather conditions.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight through mountainous terrain in marginal weather conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was flying cross-country to his home airport. While en route, the pilot determined that weather conditions prevented continued flight to his planned destination, and chose to divert to another airport. According to the pilot, while en route to his diversion airport over mountainous terrain, he encountered low ceilings of about 500 to 1,000 ft above ground level and strong downdrafts. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and impacted rising terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He stated that the accident would likely have been prevented if he had stopped at an airport he had passed prior to reaching the mountainous terrain.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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