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Casualties unknown

Stall and Spin During Low-Level Scouting Flight in Canyon (N172LS)

Ellensburg, WA, US

On October 1, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N172LS) operated by U.s. Navy was involved in an aviation accident near Ellensburg, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while distracted, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin into terrain. 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.

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

While scouting elk hunting areas, a pilot allowed airspeed to deteriorate, leading to a stall and spin into terrain. The pilot was distracted by observations, failing to maintain aircraft control.

Accident Overview

During a flight to scout hunting areas in preparation for an upcoming elk hunt, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft at low level in and around a canyon on the western edge of an elk preserve. The pilot and two passengers were making observations of the terrain they hoped to hunt.

Sequence of Events

While the occupants focused on scouting the terrain, the pilot's attention was diverted from the task of flying the aircraft. He allowed the airspeed to deteriorate to a point where the aircraft stalled. The pilot was unable to recover before the aircraft spun into the terrain.

Findings

The investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level maneuvering while distracted by scouting activities. This resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin from which recovery was not possible.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while distracted, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin into terrain.
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Ellensburg, WA?

While scouting elk hunting areas, a pilot allowed airspeed to deteriorate, leading to a stall and spin into terrain. The pilot was distracted by observations, failing to maintain aircraft control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N172LS, operated by U.s. Navy, at Ellensburg, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while distracted, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin into terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.