CESSNA A188A
Elberta, UT — October 24, 2015
Event Information
| Date | October 24, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA027 |
| Event ID | 20151026X02502 |
| Location | Elberta, UT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.95306, -112.04472 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | A188A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for wind while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a collision with terrain and a postcrash fire.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during an aerial application flight in rolling hills in a canyon, the canyon wind forced the airplane to the ground. The airplane impacted terrain, the pilot egressed from the cockpit without further incident, and a postcrash fire occurred. The airplane was destroyed in the postcrash fire.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mountain Flight Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration has published FAA-P-8740-60 Tips on Mountain Flying. This publication provides various tips on how to conduct safe flight operations in mountain areas. This publication states in part;
Strong winds can cause some of the most dangerous conditions you'll have to contend with in the mountains. To minimize the chance of encountering dangerous turbulence, mountain flying should not be attempted if the winds aloft forecast at mountain top levels are greater than 25 knots. Above this level, potentially dangerous turbulence, as well as very strong up and down drafts is likely.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.