Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 340 near Lytle Creek, CA — 2010-01-18

Final reportWPR10FA116
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Date
2010-01-18
Location
Lytle Creek, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 340
Registration
N2217B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of situational awareness while maneuvering under a cloud layer and failure to maintain sufficient clearance from mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on a cross-country flight near mountainous terrain when he encountered clouds along the flight path. A comparison of recorded radar data and weather reports in the local area indicated that the pilot was maneuvering near the cloud bases in an area with low visibility and ceilings. Based on the erratic and circling flight path, it is likely that the pilot was having difficulty determining his location and desired flight track when the airplane collided with terrain. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not obtain a preflight weather brief or file a flight plan.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 27 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents27

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