Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB CEN12FA594
PIPER PA-12 — Rye, CO
| Date | August 31, 2012 |
| Location | Rye, CO |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-12 |
| Purpose of flight | Aerial Observation |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 64 |
| Pilot total time | 930 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | 140 hrs |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of a flightpath toward rising terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Flight planning/navigation-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Capability exceeded - C
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Contributed to outcome - C
What happened
While maneuvering in mountainous terrain at high density altitude conditions, the pilot impacted a ridge area. An evaluation of the terrain near the accident site and the performance capabilities of the airplane indicated that the pilot selected a route of flight toward rising terrain that the airplane could not climb sufficiently quickly to avoid. Examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller did not reveal any preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.