On September 12, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N2212W) operated by King Aviation Center, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fillmore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to a downdraft while flying upslope in a canyon. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot flying over mountainous terrain encountered a downdraft while navigating a canyon. Unable to execute a turn, the pilot chose to crash in a controlled nose-up attitude.
What happened
Two private pilots were conducting a local personal flight over mountainous terrain. The first pilot elected to fly into a canyon. While flying upslope in the canyon the pilot reported encountering a downdraft. Unable to execute a 180 turn the pilot elected to crash in a nose up, slow airspeed, attitude.
The investigation
The aircraft was examined and found to be consistent with the reported crash dynamics. No mechanical failures were identified that would have prevented normal operation.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly into a canyon where he encountered a downdraft. The pilot was unable to execute a 180 turn and elected to crash in a nose up, slow airspeed, attitude.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to a downdraft while flying upslope in a canyon.
What happened in the 12 Sept 1992 Cessna 172N accident near Fillmore, CA?
A private pilot flying over mountainous terrain encountered a downdraft while navigating a canyon. Unable to execute a turn, the pilot chose to crash in a controlled nose-up attitude.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N2212W, operated by King Aviation Center, Inc., at Fillmore, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to a downdraft while flying upslope in a canyon.
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