Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Marysvale, UT — 2026-05-10

Final reportWPR26LA180
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Date
2026-05-10
Location
Marysvale, UT, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N6643A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while flying along the west side of Monroe Mountain about 1,000 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered a downdraft near a river drainage at the southern end of the valley. The pilot applied full engine power, maneuvered to avoid a tree near the right wingtip, and attempted to maintain airspeed. During the maneuver, the airplane collided with another tree that the pilot had not seen. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain and was consumed by a postimpact fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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