On July 15, 1982, a Cessna 172F (registration N8230U) operated by Hell's Canyon Navigation Compa was involved in an aviation accident near Oxbow, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver while operating the aircraft approximately 236 pounds over the maximum gross takeoff weight limit. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft exceeded maximum gross weight limits and crashed during a low-altitude maneuver over a river, resulting in the loss of control.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was on final approach. Observers noted the plane descend to an altitude of approximately 50 feet above a nearby river. At this low level, the pilot initiated a pull-up maneuver and began a left turn, likely attempting to either re-enter the left downwind pattern or reverse the direction of landing for a different runway alignment.
During this critical phase of flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The left wing dropped sharply, causing the nose to pitch downward. The aircraft then impacted the ground at the edge of the river.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver while operating the aircraft approximately 236 pounds over the maximum gross takeoff weight limit.
What happened in the 15 Jul 1982 Cessna 172F accident near Oxbow, OR?
An aircraft exceeded maximum gross weight limits and crashed during a low-altitude maneuver over a river, resulting in the loss of control.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 1982 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N8230U, operated by Hell's Canyon Navigation Compa, at Oxbow, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver while operating the aircraft approximately 236 pounds over the maximum gross takeoff weight limit.
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