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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 15, 2013 · Cessna 182P · N911HE

Carson City, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 15, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Carson City, NV
Aircraft
Cessna 182P
Tail Number
N911HE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA231

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 Probable Cause

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

Full 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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 PDT
Nearest AirportCarson City (8nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182P
Tail NumberN911HE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 16 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time22:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data