CESSNA 182S
Meeker, CO — July 19, 2011
Event Information
| Date | July 19, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA492 |
| Event ID | 20110722X84622 |
| Location | Meeker, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.04861, -107.88583 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 182S |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| 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 inadvertent flight into a downdraft, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot departed on a local sightseeing flight. About 5 miles south of the departure airport and at an altitude of at least 1,000 feet above the terrain, the airplane encountered a strong downdraft. The airplane collided with the tops of several trees before the pilot could arrest the descent. The pilot was able to regain control of the airplane and return to the departure airport without further incident. The pilot added there were no preimpact problems with the airplane prior to the collision with the trees. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator as a result of the collision with the tree tops.
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.