On May 16, 1992, a Cessna 182A (registration N2031G) operated by Elliot, Carl D. was involved in an aviation accident near S.lake Tahoe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THAT THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND USED POOR JUDGMENT BY FLYING AT AN UNWARRANTED LOW ALTITUDE AND MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TREE TOPS AND THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Two pilots took off for a local flight but failed to return. After a night aerial and ground search, the aircraft's ELT signal led rescuers to the wreckage in a dense forest, where it had struck treetops and nosed into the ground.
Incident Details
Two pilots departed from their home airport for a local flight. When they failed to return, friends initiated a night aerial and ground search for the aircraft. The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received, and the ground search team was guided to the wreckage, which was located in a remote dense forest.
Search and Recovery
According to members of the search team, the aircraft appeared to have struck a tree top north of the main wreckage area and nosed into the ground. The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down, tail-up attitude. No further details about the condition of the aircraft or the pilots were provided in the investigation source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 May 1992 Cessna 182A accident near S.lake Tahoe, CA?
Two pilots took off for a local flight but failed to return. After a night aerial and ground search, the aircraft's ELT signal led rescuers to the wreckage in a dense forest, where it had struck treetops and nosed into the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 May 1992 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N2031G, operated by Elliot, Carl D., at S.lake Tahoe, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THAT THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND USED POOR JUDGMENT BY FLYING AT AN UNWARRANTED LOW ALTITUDE AND MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TREE TOPS AND THE AIRPLANE.
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