Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182P near Carson City, NV — 2013-05-15

Final reportWPR13CA231
Sign in to save
Date
2013-05-15
Location
Carson City, NV, USA
Airport
CXP
Aircraft
CESSNA 182P
Registration
N911HE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after an encounter with downdrafts while flying over mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on a personal scenic tour flight; the airplane was climbing southwest, and approaching 9,000 feet mean sea level. He planned to cross a mountain saddle between 400 and 500 feet above ground level. The flight encountered a strong downdraft; the airspeed dropped to about 80 mph,and the airplane stopped climbing. It then encountered another downdraft, which resulted in the airplane descending. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by applying full engine power, but was unsuccessful. He maneuvered the airplane to avoid some trees before impacting the rising terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the tail section. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps