Controlled Flight Into Terrain · NTSB WPR10FA116
CESSNA 340 — Lytle Creek, CA
| Date | January 18, 2010 |
| Location | Lytle Creek, CA |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 340 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Instrument Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 47 |
| Pilot total time | 474 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of situational awareness while maneuvering under a cloud layer and failure to maintain sufficient clearance from mountainous terrain.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Clouds-Effect on operation
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Effect on operation
- Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusio-Situational awareness-Pilot - C
What happened
The pilot was on a cross-country flight near mountainous terrain when he encountered clouds along the flight path. A comparison of recorded radar data and weather reports in the local area indicated that the pilot was maneuvering near the cloud bases in an area with low visibility and ceilings. Based on the erratic and circling flight path, it is likely that the pilot was having difficulty determining his location and desired flight track when the airplane collided with terrain. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.