CESSNA 182Q near McCall, ID — 2012-08-20

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s selection of the wrong route while flying in mountainous terrain at a high-density altitude, which resulted in the airplane impacting terrain when the increase in elevation exceeded the airplane’s climb performance.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that, as he and the pilot-rated passenger flew through a canyon, the airplane gained airspeed and altitude. As they continued toward their destination, the flight instructor directed the pilot to turn right at a branch in the canyon. Shortly after, the terrain elevation increased, and it exceeded the airplane's climb performance, and the airplane subsequently impacted trees. The density altitude for the area was calculated to be about 8,524 feet, which would have affected the airplane's climb performance. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Controlled flight into terrain

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have recognized terrain limitations during climb.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Enroute-climb to cruise
• Decision Making / Judgment
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1, CFIform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot Receiving Instructionform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Excerpt from CMI Engine Examinationother

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