On October 30, 1992, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N2221L) operated by Massey, William was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL AND DESCENT INTO TERRAIN WHEN THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE ABOVE THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and passenger crashed during a flight to find off-airport landing spots in mountainous terrain. The airplane was observed at low altitude in a canyon before descending rapidly and impacting nose-down.
Accident Overview
A certificated private pilot and a passenger were conducting a personal flight near mountainous terrain to look for possible off airport landing spots. The pilot had reportedly commented about previous experience in bush flying, including landing on dirt roads. The airplane was observed about 100 to 200 feet above the ground in a small canyon near a switchback area along a mountain road. It was then observed to rapidly descend into the ground, crashing in a near vertical nose down attitude.
Witness Reports
A pilot witness to the accident reported encountering turbulence and downdrafts in the area. A ground witness reported calm wind conditions. No other weather information was provided.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident. Further details regarding the aircraft, registration, and other factors have not been released at this time.
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