On July 13, 1991, a Cessna 182A (registration N2184G) operated by Marcus R. Mcree was involved in an aviation accident near Naches, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to turn toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff in high density altitude and gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an inability to outclimb the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 182 pilot departed an uncontrolled airport in a mountain valley under high gusty winds and high density altitude conditions, turning toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff.
What happened
The pilot of a Cessna 182 departed from an uncontrolled airport situated within a mountain valley. The departure occurred during challenging environmental conditions characterized by high gusty winds and high density altitude. Rather than following a standard climb-out profile that would have gained altitude over the nearby lake, the pilot turned toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff.
Shortly after initiating this turn, the aircraft encountered significant downdrafts. These atmospheric conditions prevented the aircraft from outclimbing the surrounding terrain, leading to a loss of altitude relative to the ground obstacles in the area.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to turn toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff in high density altitude and gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an inability to outclimb the terrain.
What happened in the 13 Jul 1991 Cessna 182A accident near Naches, WA?
A Cessna 182 pilot departed an uncontrolled airport in a mountain valley under high gusty winds and high density altitude conditions, turning toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jul 1991 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N2184G, operated by Marcus R. Mcree, at Naches, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to turn toward rising terrain immediately after takeoff in high density altitude and gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an inability to outclimb the terrain.
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