Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB WPR10FA399
PIPER PA28R — Emigrant Gap, CA
| Date | August 13, 2010 |
| Location | Emigrant Gap, CA |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA28R |
| Purpose of flight | Instructional |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 21 |
| Pilot total time | Unknown |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Instructor/check pilot - F
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Contributed to outcome
What happened
The purpose of the flight was to provide mountain flying training to the private pilot. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying eastward just above the tree tops over their campsite. They stated that the engine sounded normal and that, after the airplane disappeared from their view, they heard two "bangs." The accident site was located in heavily forested, rising mountainous terrain. Damage to the left wing and a matching tree impression indicated that the airplane was in a climbing left turn when it struck the tree. It could not be determined who was manipulating the controls at the time of the accident. It is likely that the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were attempting to maneuver out of the area by initiating a climb and turn and failed to maintain clearance from trees. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology results for the flight instructor were positive for marijuana; however, the levels present were not sufficient to cause impairment.