Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Panguitch, UT — 2010-10-08

Final reportWPR11FA005
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Date
2010-10-08
Location
Panguitch, UT, USA
Airport
U55
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N8437A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to conduct a low-level flight into a canyon in windy conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.

NTSB narrative

The employer of the pilot and passenger reported to local authorities that they had not returned from a presumed elk-spotting flight for an upcoming hunting trip. The wreckage was subsequently located in a remote canyon area in rising mountainous terrain at an elevation of 9,600 feet. There were no witnesses to the accident; however, pilots flying in the area that afternoon noted that it was too windy to fly below the ridgeline and tree movement was visible; the sky was clear. The calculated density altitude for the area was 11,178 feet. Based on the final location and heading of the airplane, it is likely that the pilot may have attempted to maneuver at a low altitude in the canyon and was unable to maintain clearance from terrain in the windy conditions and high density altitude. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid flying in windy conditions below the ridgeline.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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