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Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Trees During Turn in Box Canyon (N1372F)

Miltonfreewater, OR, US

On October 6, 1991, a Cessna 172G (registration N1372F) operated by Charles W. Wolfkiel was involved in an aviation accident near Miltonfreewater, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED, LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a pleasure flight, an airplane flying low in a valley entered a box canyon, attempted a 180-degree turn with a 45-degree bank, and struck trees and terrain.

Flight Path

The airplane was observed flying just above the tree line in a valley, approximately 1,000 feet below the ridge line. It continued through this valley, which led into a box canyon.

Maneuver and Collision

Within the box canyon, the airplane executed a right turn with an approximate 45-degree bank. It nearly completed a 180-degree turn when it collided with trees and subsequently struck the terrain.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the engine was running normally throughout the flight and that the airplane appeared to be under control until the turning maneuver.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1991 Cessna 172G accident near Miltonfreewater, OR?

During a pleasure flight, an airplane flying low in a valley entered a box canyon, attempted a 180-degree turn with a 45-degree bank, and struck trees and terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1991 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N1372F, operated by Charles W. Wolfkiel, at Miltonfreewater, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED, LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18385. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.