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Casualties unknown

Model Airplane Crash in Box Canyon Following Trapped Broadcast (N302CB)

Cucamonga, CA, US

On April 5, 1992, a Globe GC-1B (registration N302CB) operated by Walter W. Campbell was involved in an aviation accident near Cucamonga, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO AVOID THE RISING TERRAIN OF THE BOX CANYON, AND, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED MARGIN ABOVE STALL WHILE MANEUVERING IN AN ATTEMPT TO REVERSE COURSE. 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

A pilot flying a model airplane in a box canyon attempted a course reversal after a trapped broadcast from the lead aircraft. The airplane entered a steep left bank and descended, resulting in an impact. No mechanical issues were found.

Flight Sequence

Two pilots were flying similar model airplanes in loose formation. They proceeded up a box canyon, with the accident pilot flying in trail. The lead pilot intentionally descended to 250 feet above ground level (AGL) upon entering the canyon. The lead pilot later broadcast to the accident pilot that he had become trapped in the canyon. Following the broadcast, the accident airplane was observed to execute a steep left bank turn, apparently a course reversal, and then descend. The sound of an impact was heard shortly after.

Witness Observations

Witnesses provided varying estimates of the aircraft altitudes. The lead airplane was estimated to be flying between 100 and 200 feet AGL, while the accident airplane was observed between 300 and 600 feet AGL. The lead pilot, who was familiar with the canyon, reported that both he and his friend were familiar with the area.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the accident airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions. The friend's airplane, which was a similar model, also crashed in the same incident. (Details of the other airplane's crash are documented in report number LAX92LA166.)

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1992 Globe GC-1B accident near Cucamonga, CA?

A pilot flying a model airplane in a box canyon attempted a course reversal after a trapped broadcast from the lead aircraft. The airplane entered a steep left bank and descended, resulting in an impact. No mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1992 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N302CB, operated by Walter W. Campbell, at Cucamonga, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO AVOID THE RISING TERRAIN OF THE BOX CANYON, AND, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED MARGIN ABOVE STALL WHILE MANEUVERING IN AN ATTEMPT TO REVERSE COURSE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT HAVING BEEN DISTRACTED BY THE LEAD AIRPLANE'S PILOT…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14441. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.