Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Sula, MT — 2012-06-08

Final reportWPR12CA209
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Date
2012-06-08
Location
Sula, MT, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N2839T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in a downdraft over mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight between 2,000 and 2,500 feet above ground level over mountainous terrain when it encountered a strong downdraft. At full power and at the airplane’s best rate of climb, it was descending 1,500 feet per minute. The pilot stated that he could not turn left because of a mountain and that he was afraid that turning right would result in a greater loss of altitude and a collision with trees. When he was sure that he was not going to clear the terrain, he performed a steep left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment next to a road with the engine at full power and the stall warning light on.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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