Pilot Debrief

Bellanca 7GCBC near American Fork, UT — 2008-09-21

Final reportLAX08CA297
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Date
2008-09-21
Location
American Fork, UT, USA
Airport
U42
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC
Registration
N11698
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to enter a box canyon, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that he was flying the airplane about 8,500 feet msl on an eastbound heading. He entered a canyon, and not believing he had sufficient clearance to cross over the ridge, began a 360-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn the pilot reported feeling the airplane sink; he then attempted to guide the airplane westbound down the canyon and away from terrain. The airplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at the 8,300-foot level. The pilot said that he did not perceive any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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