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NTSB Report
November 14, 2020 · Cessna 172 · N8278B
Howe, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 14, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Howe, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 172 (1957)
Tail Number
N8278B
Operator
Jacob Rothgeb
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA056
The student pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane from the south to the north on the leeward side of a ridgeline when the airplane encountered a downdraft and suddenly lost altitude. He turned the airplane to the west, then to the east in an attempt to regain altitude, but the airplane continued to descend and collided with terrain. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain after an encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that he was maneuvering the airplane from the south to the north on the leeward side of a ridgeline when the airplane encountered a downdraft and suddenly lost altitude. He turned the airplane to the west, then to the east in an attempt to regain altitude, but the airplane continued to descend and collided with terrain. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN8278B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJacob Rothgeb
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270°
Visibility10 sm
Ceiling4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO