On June 30, 1989, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N56759) operated by Airways Sheetmetal, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Snoqualmie Pass, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DESCISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT ENTERING A BOX CANYON WITH INSUFFICIENT SPEED AND ALTITUDE TO MANEUVER OUT OF THE CONFINED AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot descending below clouds to follow an interstate through a mountain pass inadvertently entered a box canyon, and while reversing course, the aircraft mushed into trees. The pilot had a preflight briefing indicating VFR conditions.
Incident Overview
During an attempted crossing of the Cascade Mountains, a pilot encountered clouds that the aircraft could not outclimb. In response, the pilot chose to descend below the cloud layer and follow an interstate highway through a pass. The aircraft inadvertently entered a box canyon, and while the pilot was maneuvering to reverse course, the aircraft mushed into trees.
Weather Briefing and Conditions
The pilot had received a preflight weather briefing that indicated visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were present in the pass. Additionally, a weather observation station that had previously been located in the pass had been closed by the National Weather Service.
Sequence of Events
The pilot attempted to cross the Cascade Mountains.
Clouds were encountered that the aircraft could not outclimb.
The pilot descended below the clouds to follow an interstate highway through a pass.
The aircraft inadvertently entered a box canyon.
While maneuvering to reverse course, the aircraft mushed into trees.
What happened in the 30 Jun 1989 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Snoqualmie Pass, WA?
A pilot descending below clouds to follow an interstate through a mountain pass inadvertently entered a box canyon, and while reversing course, the aircraft mushed into trees. The pilot had a preflight briefing indicating VFR conditions.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jun 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N56759, operated by Airways Sheetmetal, Inc., at Snoqualmie Pass, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DESCISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT ENTERING A BOX CANYON WITH INSUFFICIENT SPEED AND ALTITUDE TO MANEUVER OUT OF THE CONFINED AREA. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE TERRAIN AND WEATHER…
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