Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 8KCAB near Estes Park, CO — 2010-07-08

Final reportCEN10LA380
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Date
2010-07-08
Location
Estes Park, CO, USA
Aircraft
CHAMPION 8KCAB
Registration
N56BC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that when he was trying to fly across a mountain pass, the airplane encountered a strong downdraft. The pilot added full power but was unable to stop the airplane’s descent, so he performed a forced landing in a heavily forested area. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. A review of weather radar and satellite imagery showed convective development at the accident location just before the accident. Postaccident interviews with personnel at the departure airport indicated that the pilot stated that he had not flown in the mountains before and that he took off despite warnings about the current weather and related mountain flying hazards.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the mountain pass or turned back before encountering downdraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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