Pilot Debrief

Cessna 150 near Roundup, MT — 2019-07-30

Final reportWPR19LA213
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Date
2019-07-30
Location
Roundup, MT, USA
Airport
RPX
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Registration
C-GEYP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot ‘s failure to maintain an adequate altitude above the trees while maneuvering to land.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-county flight, the pilot arrived at his planned destination near sunset and was maneuvering to land. While maneuvering, the airplane struck a stand of trees and subsequently impacted terrain. The pilot reported that the airplane’s engine was “running fine” and that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine also revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to divert to a closer airport before reaching RPX.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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