On June 12, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N1365E) operated by Paul Cap was involved in an aviation accident near Chemult, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN A SUDDEN ALTITUDE DEVIATION, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TREES. 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.
A pilot and passenger conducting an eagle survey encountered downdrafts on a low pass, impacting trees despite full power. Density altitude was computed at 5570 ft.
Flight Details
The pilot and passenger were conducting an eagle survey flight. They made a pass over an eagle's nest north of Lemolo Lake to count newly hatched eaglets but were unsuccessful.
Accident Sequence
The pilot descended to about 400 ft AGL and was on the second pass when the aircraft encountered downdrafts. He said he applied full power, but was unable to stop a rapid descent in time to avoid impact with trees. The terrain in that area sloped upward to the north to a butte.
Environmental Conditions
About 52 miles west at Roseburg, Oregon, the 1548 PDT wind was from 340 degrees at 8 knots. Density altitude at the accident site was computed to be 5570 ft.
What happened in the 12 Jun 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Chemult, OR?
A pilot and passenger conducting an eagle survey encountered downdrafts on a low pass, impacting trees despite full power. Density altitude was computed at 5570 ft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jun 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N1365E, operated by Paul Cap, at Chemult, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN A SUDDEN ALTITUDE DEVIATION, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TREES. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE DOWNDRAFTS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, THE PILOT DIVERTING ATTENTION, AND THE TREES.
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