On August 18, 1985, a Cessna 172P II (registration N54168) operated by Freedom Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. 4 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light aircraft crashed into trees within a box canyon near Cedar City, Utah, resulting in the destruction of the plane and the deaths of all four occupants aboard.
What happened
The pilot operated a local pleasure flight carrying three passengers over the terrain surrounding Cedar City, Utah. The weather conditions were visual meteorological rules (VMC) at the time of departure. During the flight, the pilot continued to climb the aircraft as it passed over rising ground features. The flight ended when the aircraft impacted trees within a box canyon characterized by high terrain on all sides. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft, which was subsequently destroyed in a post-accident fire. There were no survivors among the four occupants.
Findings
The accident occurred during flight over rising terrain in an area with significant elevation changes. The location was identified as a box canyon near Cedar City, Utah. The weather was reported as VMC. All four individuals on board perished in the crash.
What happened in the 18 Aug 1985 Cessna 172P II accident near Cedar City, UT?
A light aircraft crashed into trees within a box canyon near Cedar City, Utah, resulting in the destruction of the plane and the deaths of all four occupants aboard.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1985 Cessna 172P II accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Aug 1985 involved a Cessna 172P II, registration N54168, operated by Freedom Aviation, at Cedar City, UT.
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