On March 19, 1983, a Cessna 182 (registration N2646G) was involved in an aviation accident near Littlefield, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for navigation verification, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a subsequent maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot descended to read a sign while behind schedule, then collided with rising terrain during a left turn attempt near the destination airport.
What happened
The flight was operating behind its scheduled timeline. During the approach phase, the crew identified an airport they believed to be their intended destination. To verify their location, the pilot descended the aircraft to an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 feet above ground level to read a roadside sign. Upon attempting to climb out of this low-altitude maneuver in a left turn, the aircraft collided with rising terrain. The accident site was located approximately eight miles west of the destination airport.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no abnormal conditions that would have contributed to the loss of power or control.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for navigation verification, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a subsequent maneuver.
What happened in the 19 Mar 1983 Cessna 182 accident near Littlefield, AZ?
A pilot descended to read a sign while behind schedule, then collided with rising terrain during a left turn attempt near the destination airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Mar 1983 involved a Cessna 182, registration N2646G, at Littlefield, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for navigation verification, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain during a subsequent maneuver.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…