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Aircraft Collides with Trees After Encountering Severe Clear Air Turbulence (N20513)

San Jacinto, CA, US

On January 8, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N20513) operated by Ross, Herman D. & Cherri L. was involved in an aviation accident near San Jacinto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH UNFORECAST CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying at 10,500 ft MSL over a mountainous area encountered severe clear air turbulence, causing an uncontrolled roll. The aircraft entered clouds and collided with trees at the mountain crest at 9,277 ft.

Flight and Incident

A pilot was flying an aircraft at an altitude of 10,500 feet above mean sea level (MSL) over a mountainous region. The flight was conducted above an overcast cloud layer. During the flight, the aircraft encountered severe clear air turbulence. This turbulence caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled roll.

Loss of Control and Recovery Attempt

The pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft, but by that time, the aircraft had entered the clouds. Before the pilot could complete a full recovery from the unusual attitude, the aircraft collided with trees at the crest of a mountain.

Accident Site

The accident site was located at an elevation of 9,277 feet MSL.

Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jan 1993 Cessna 172 accident near San Jacinto, CA?

A pilot flying at 10,500 ft MSL over a mountainous area encountered severe clear air turbulence, causing an uncontrolled roll. The aircraft entered clouds and collided with trees at the mountain crest at 9,277 ft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jan 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N20513, operated by Ross, Herman D. & Cherri L., at San Jacinto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH UNFORECAST CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11714. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.