Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TR182 near Sahuarita, AZ — 2008-08-14

Final reportLAX08FA267
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Date
2008-08-14
Location
Sahuarita, AZ, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA TR182
Registration
N4887R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at low altitude for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Family members reported that the pilot was overdue on a cross-country flight to visit a friend. The wreckage was discovered the next day. The main wreckage was found at the base of a vertical bluff with portions of the wings about halfway up on the bluff face. Radar data indicated that the airplane circled in the accident area at low altitude. The last radar return, which was in the immediate vicinity of the bluff, indicated an altitude that was lower than the elevation of the top of the bluff. Investigators found no anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid the terrain during descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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