Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182K near Cordova, AK — 2021-05-29

Final reportANC21LA043
Sign in to save
Date
2021-05-29
Location
Cordova, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 182K
Registration
N2761Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

An encounter with mountain wave turbulence and windshear that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane and resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before departure, he reviewed weather conditions and proposed destination locations, which included winds aloft and METARs. About 2 hours and 15 minutes into the flight, at an altitude of about 12,500 mean sea level (msl), the airplane encountered severe turbulence and windshear, and, shortly thereafter, a downdraft. Unable to escape the downdraft, the pilot attempted to level the wings and pitched up. The airplane impacted mountainous terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, left horizontal stabilizer, and elevator. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Review of weather information revealed a relatively strong pressure gradient in the area. Upper air soundings indicated favorable conditions for severe mountain wave conditions with updraft and downdraft speeds between 2,000 and 3,000 ft per minute. Based on the available information, it is likely that the flight encountered mountain wave conditions, including severe turbulence, windshear, and downdrafts greater than 2,000 ft per minute, which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane and resulted in descent into terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have altered course to avoid known mountain wave conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps