On June 9, 1992, a Cessna 172P (registration N5449K) operated by Del Monte Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Big Sur, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a scenic flight while descending below coastal mountains. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft crashed into upsloping terrain during a scenic coastal tour flight. The pilot had previously been denied a medical certificate due to a cerebellar stroke but had regained it prior to the accident.
What happened
The flight was conducting a scenic tour along the coastline when contact with air traffic control ceased. Prior to losing radio contact, the pilot informed controllers that he intended to descend below the coastal mountain range. The aircraft subsequently impacted upsloping terrain in a near wings-level attitude.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction of the airframe or engine components. The flight path and impact characteristics suggested controlled flight into terrain rather than mechanical failure.
Findings
The pilot had a significant medical history relevant to his certification status. He had been denied an airman medical certificate during the seven years preceding the accident due to a cerebellar stroke. However, he successfully regained his medical certificate approximately one and a half years before this incident occurred.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a scenic flight while descending below coastal mountains.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Jun 1992 Cessna 172P accident near Big Sur, CA?
A light aircraft crashed into upsloping terrain during a scenic coastal tour flight. The pilot had previously been denied a medical certificate due to a cerebellar stroke but had regained it prior to the accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jun 1992 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5449K, operated by Del Monte Aviation, at Big Sur, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a scenic flight while descending below coastal mountains.
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