Pilot Debrief

BEECH C23 near Rich County, UT — 2023-01-25

Final reportWPR23LA099
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Date
2023-01-25
Location
Rich County, UT, USA
Aircraft
BEECH C23
Registration
N23FD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude following an encounter with turbulence and adverse wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that she encountered unexpected winds while flying at night. After multiple encounters with strong wind gusts and turbulence, the pilot lost control of the airplane and it started to spin downward. She was able to successfully recover from the spin, but was forced to search for a suitable landing site as she was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open snow-covered area and the airplane stopped abruptly, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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