On April 20, 1990, a Cessna 172N (registration N1065F) operated by Mercury Air Center was involved in an aviation accident near Minden, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a local sightseeing flight, a pilot became slightly disoriented after a left turn, leading to decreasing airspeed and a 200 fpm climb indication. The airplane entered a canyon, and the pilot prepared for a collision with trees, reporting no mechanical failures.
Accident Narrative
A local sightseeing flight in mountainous terrain involved a passenger request for a left turn. The pilot executed the turn, and after returning the wings to level flight, experienced slight disorientation. The airspeed was dropping, and the vertical speed indicator indicated a 200-foot-per-minute climb. The aircraft had entered a canyon.
Pilot Actions
The pilot assessed the situation and determined that a turn was not possible. Recognizing that the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain because the airspeed was near stalling speed, the pilot prepared for a collision with the trees. The pilot reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred with the airplane at the time of the accident.
What happened in the 20 Apr 1990 Cessna 172N accident near Minden, NV?
During a local sightseeing flight, a pilot became slightly disoriented after a left turn, leading to decreasing airspeed and a 200 fpm climb indication. The airplane entered a canyon, and the pilot prepared for a collision with trees, reporting no mechanical failures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N1065F, operated by Mercury Air Center, at Minden, NV.
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