On August 14, 1988, a Cessna 172N (registration N4788F) operated by Instrument Training Center was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Arrowhead, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate climb performance for the weight, center of gravity, and density altitude conditions, which resulted in the aircraft's inability to clear rising terrain during a local parachute jump flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft operating a local parachute jump flight was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain, resulting in a collision with a tree and the ground.
What happened
During a local parachute jump flight, the airplane encountered rising terrain that it could not clear due to insufficient altitude gain. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree and eventually impacted the terrain. There were no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the event.
The investigation
Examination of the operational parameters revealed significant weight and balance constraints. The aircraft handbook lists 2307 lbs as the maximum gross takeoff weight, while the accident aircraft weighed 2280 lbs at departure. The center of gravity was located in the rear third of the envelope at approximately 103.35 inches. Additionally, the density altitude was approximately 6200 ft, which further degraded performance capabilities.
Findings
The inability to gain enough altitude to clear the rising terrain was the primary factor leading to the collision with the tree and subsequent terrain impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate climb performance for the weight, center of gravity, and density altitude conditions, which resulted in the aircraft's inability to clear rising terrain during a local parachute jump flight.
What happened in the 14 Aug 1988 Cessna 172N accident near Lake Arrowhead, CA?
An aircraft operating a local parachute jump flight was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain, resulting in a collision with a tree and the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1988 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4788F, operated by Instrument Training Center, at Lake Arrowhead, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate climb performance for the weight, center of gravity, and density altitude conditions, which resulted in the aircraft's inability to clear rising terrain during a local parachute jump flight.
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