What happened
The aircraft experienced a stall and subsequently crashed on the side of a ridge. Local residents near the crash site indicated that the area was well populated with large and small game, suggesting the pilot may have been engaged in hunting or wildlife observation.
The density altitude at the time of the accident was computed to be 6,191 feet. High density altitude reduces aircraft performance, particularly lift generation and engine power output, which can significantly impact stall speeds and climb capability.
The investigation
An examination of the pilot's flight experience revealed limited recent time in the specific aircraft type involved. The pilot had flown the Cessna 152 only once prior to the accident, on July 5, 1980, logging 0.9 hours of dual instruction. Although the pilot had logged 54.2 hours in the similar Cessna 150, the last flight in that aircraft was on November 2, 1980, nearly six months before the accident.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the stall of the aircraft. The pilot's limited recent experience in the Cessna 152, combined with high density altitude conditions, likely contributed to the inability to maintain controlled flight. The transition from the Cessna 150 to the Cessna 152 requires specific familiarization, and the lack of recent dual instruction in the accident aircraft may have played a role in the mishandling of flight controls during critical phases of flight.
Safety message
Pilots transitioning between similar aircraft types should ensure they receive adequate training and recent experience in the specific model before operating it in challenging conditions such as high density altitude. Understanding the performance differences between aircraft models is crucial for maintaining safety margins, especially when operating near terrain.