Casualties unknown

1986-07-09: Luscombe 8A (N1272K) — Salida, CO

Salida, CO, US

On July 9, 1986, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1272K) was involved in an aviation accident near Salida, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering downdrafts in a mountain pass, losing airspeed and contacting trees. A flight instructor who witnessed the accident stated he had previously radioed altitude recommendations and a last turn-around point.

Introduction

A recent aviation accident occurred when an aircraft, while traversing a mountain pass, encountered downdrafts that the pilot stated he was unable to counter. The pilot reported that the situation escalated until the aircraft made contact with trees.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, upon entering the mountain pass, the aircraft he was piloting encountered downdrafts from which he could not recover. He stated that he bled off airspeed until the aircraft contacted the trees. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other specifics.

Witness Account

A local flight instructor, who was flying overhead and witnessed the accident, reported that he had previously communicated with the accident pilot via radio. The instructor stated that he had provided the pilot with the altitudes required to clear the pass and also indicated the pilot's last turn-around point. The witness's account corroborates the pilot's report of the accident sequence.

Conclusion

The accident investigation relies solely on the accounts of the pilot and the witness. No official determination of cause has been released at this time. The aircraft and its occupants have not been further described in available records.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34147. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.