On November 23, 1985, a Cessna 172A (registration N7130Q) operated by Davis-monthan Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Sunizona, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual scanning while conducting low-level surveillance, which led to spatial disorientation and an inability to avoid terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing low-level surveillance for deer became distracted by a passenger pointing out a campsite. Unable to reverse course in the narrow canyon due to rising terrain, he elected to stall the aircraft into the trees.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in low-level surveillance operations aimed at locating deer. During this phase of flight, a passenger directed the pilot's attention outside the cabin toward a familiar campsite.
The pilot acknowledged that this interaction served as a significant distraction. In response to the distraction and the specific terrain constraints, he maneuvered the aircraft into a narrow canyon. As the canyon walls rose, the available space for maneuvering diminished rapidly. The pilot determined that reversing course was no longer possible due to the rising terrain.
Facing these physical limitations, the pilot made the decision to intentionally stall the aircraft and direct it into the surrounding trees.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual scanning while conducting low-level surveillance, which led to spatial disorientation and an inability to avoid terrain.
What happened in the 23 Nov 1985 Cessna 172A accident near Sunizona, AZ?
A pilot performing low-level surveillance for deer became distracted by a passenger pointing out a campsite. Unable to reverse course in the narrow canyon due to rising terrain, he elected to stall the aircraft into the trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Nov 1985 involved a Cessna 172A, registration N7130Q, operated by Davis-monthan Aero Club, at Sunizona, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual scanning while conducting low-level surveillance, which led to spatial disorientation and an inability to avoid terrain.
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