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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 25, 2017 · Cessna 182 P · N52743

Mackay, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Mackay, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 182 P (1974)
Tail Number
N52743
Operator
Avcenter
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA202

The pilot reported that, while flying in mountainous terrain around 9,500 ft mean sea level (700 to 1,200 ft above the ground), the airplane encountered a downdraft. He added that he immediately turned away from the mountainside in a right turn, added full power, selected 10º of flaps, and pitched the nose up to maintain the airplane's maximum angle-of-climb airspeed (Vx). Subsequently, the airplane was unable to climb, and it then impacted wooded, snow-covered terrain along the mountainside. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The calculated density altitude near the flightpath was about 10,339 ft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Koch Chart, the airplane would have experienced a 50% decrease to the normal climb rate. The high-density altitude conditions likely contributed to the airplane's inability to establish a climb.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane over mountainous terrain in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain altitude or establish a climb.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while flying in mountainous terrain around 9,500 ft. mean sea level (700 to 1,200 ft. above the ground), the airplane encountered a downdraft. He added that he immediately turned away from the mountainside in a right turn, added full power, selected 10º of flaps, and pitched the nose up to maintain the airplane's maximum angle of climb airspeed (Vx). Subsequently, the pilot was unable to establish a climb and impacted wooded snow covered terrain along the mountainside. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The calculated density altitude near the flight path was about 10,339 ft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Koch Chart, the airplane would have experienced a 50% decrease to the normal rate of climb.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182 P
Tail NumberN52743
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAvcenter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-520U/TS · Reciprocating · 280
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data