Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Bountiful, UT — 2016-07-01

Final reportGAA16CA358
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Date
2016-07-01
Location
Bountiful, UT, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N52071
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly into a canyon without sufficient room to reverse course if necessary, which resulted in an emergency landing, loss of directional control, collision with terrain, and a post-crash fire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during an "introductory flight" for two passengers, he departed the airport and flew into a canyon where the airplane encountered an "unforeseen immense downdraft". He further reported that he immediately initiated a right turn to exit the canyon but it became clear that a turn was not possible due to the mountainous terrain. Subsequently, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on a mountain road. After touchdown the airplane skidded off the dirt road and down an embankment. A post-crash fire resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. As a safety recommendation the pilot reported that he should have given himself more altitude before entering the canyon.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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