Controlled Flight Into Terrain · NTSB CEN18FA326

Cessna 525 — Payson City, UT

1 fatal High-time pilotNight
DateAugust 13, 2018
LocationPayson City, UT
AircraftCessna 525
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsNight · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceOther Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
Pilot age47
Pilot total time4,000 hrs · High time
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities1

Probable cause

The pilot's intentional flight into his residence.

NTSB findings

  • Personnel issues-Miscellaneous-Intentional act-Suicide-Pilot - C

What happened

The commercial pilot was flying an airplane in night, visual meteorological conditions when he flew the airplane toward his home; the airplane struck a garage across the street and continued until it impacted the front of his home. An examination of the airplane found no anomalies with the flight controls that would have contributed to the accident. Toxicology testing revealed the presence of a medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some eating disorders, and panic attacks; the pilot did not report the use of this medication to the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot had a known history of depression, anxiety, and anger management issues. The circumstances of the accident were consistent with the pilot's intentional flight into his home.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →