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NTSB Report
December 14, 1991 · Cessna C-172G · N4244L
Jackson, MT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 14, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (2 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Location
Jackson, MT
Aircraft
Cessna C-172G
Tail Number
N4244L
Operator
Butte Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA92LA028
THE PILOT WAS FLYING UP A MOUNTAIN RIDGE AT A LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE GROUND, SEARCHING FOR CATTLE, WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT WINDS. HE ATTEPTED TO TURN DOWNSLOPE AT A LOW AIRSPEED AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. THE PILOT HAD 17 DEGREES FLAPS EXTENDED AND THE ACFT WAS NEAR GROSS WEIGHT. THE ELEVATION AT THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS 7500 FT. MSL.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE IMPROPER FLAP SETTING, THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, LACK OF EXPERIENCE BY THE PILOT, AND DOWNDRAFFT WINDS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS FLYING UP A MOUNTAIN RIDGE AT A LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE GROUND, SEARCHING FOR CATTLE, WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT WINDS. HE ATTEPTED TO TURN DOWNSLOPE AT A LOW AIRSPEED AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. THE PILOT HAD 17 DEGREES FLAPS EXTENDED AND THE ACFT WAS NEAR GROSS WEIGHT. THE ELEVATION AT THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS 7500 FT. MSL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:39 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna C-172G
Tail NumberN4244L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorButte Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-C · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (2 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 27 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 14 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time19:36
Weather SourceWFAC