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Casualties unknown

Collision with Canyon Wall After Distraction by Engine Gauge Fluctuation (N3319K)

Cucamonga, CA, US

On April 5, 1992, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3319K) operated by Douglas R. Barrow 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 COLLIDING INTO THE RISING TERRAIN OF THE BOX CANYON. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT HAVING BEEN DISTRACTED BY AN ENGINE GAGE. 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 leading a loose formation of two similar model airplanes flew into a box canyon, descended to 250 feet AGL, became distracted by a fluctuating engine cylinder exhaust gas temperature gauge, and subsequently collided with the canyon wall. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Accident Sequence

A pilot flying a model airplane was leading a loose formation flight with a friend who was piloting a second similar model airplane. Both aircraft proceeded up a box canyon. The pilot reported that he was familiar with the canyon and intentionally descended to 250 feet above ground level (AGL) while continuing up the canyon. During the flight, the pilot stated that he became distracted when an engine cylinder's exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge began fluctuating. After this distraction, he realized he was too far into the canyon to turn around. The airplane subsequently collided with the side of the canyon.

Post-Accident Examination

No mechanical malfunctions were found with the engine, which sustained fire damage. The investigation did not identify any pre-impact anomalies that would have contributed to the loss of control.

Other Aircraft

A separate accident report, number LAX92FA169, contains details of the crash involving the second similar model airplane that was also involved in the formation flight.

Note: All information is based solely on the official investigation source.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot leading a loose formation of two similar model airplanes flew into a box canyon, descended to 250 feet AGL, became distracted by a fluctuating engine cylinder exhaust gas temperature gauge, and subsequently collided with the canyon wall. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1992 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N3319K, operated by Douglas R. Barrow, at Cucamonga, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO AVOID COLLIDING INTO THE RISING TERRAIN OF THE BOX CANYON. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT HAVING BEEN DISTRACTED BY AN ENGINE GAGE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00279. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.