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NTSB Report
June 8, 2012 · Piper PA-28-140 · N2839T
Sula, MT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Sula, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N2839T
Operator
Raymond E Chatterton
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA209
The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight between 2,000 and 2,500 feet above ground level over mountainous terrain when it encountered a strong downdraft. At full power and at the airplane’s best rate of climb, it was descending 1,500 feet per minute. The pilot stated that he could not turn left because of a mountain and that he was afraid that turning right would result in a greater loss of altitude and a collision with trees. When he was sure that he was not going to clear the terrain, he performed a steep left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment next to a road with the engine at full power and the stall warning light on.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inability to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in a downdraft over mountainous terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,000 - 2,500 feet above ground level over mountainous terrain when it encountered a strong downdraft. At full power and best rate of climb, the airplane was descending 1,500 feet per minute. The pilot stated that he could not turn left because of a mountain, and he was afraid that turning right would result in a greater loss of altitude and a collision with trees. When he was sure that he was not going to clear the terrain, he performed a steep left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment next to a road with the engine at full power and the stall warning light on.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN2839T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRaymond E Chatterton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 10 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 34 C
Altimeter29.78 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC