Pilot Debrief

American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB near Alpine, WY — 2026-01-29

Final reportWPR26LA095
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Date
2026-01-29
Location
Alpine, WY, USA
Airport
46U
Aircraft
American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB
Registration
N59SE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent descent while operating in flat light conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

At the conclusion of an uneventful flight, the pilot returned to the departure airport and entered the airport traffic pattern. The pilot stated that after he turned onto the base leg for the runway, he unknowingly lost depth perception and flew into the snow-covered terrain due to the “flat light” conditions. During the accident sequence, the airplane nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The pilot added that the terrain surrounding his base leg of the traffic pattern was a dry lakebed covered in snow, the sky was overcast, and there were no shadows. He further stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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