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Aircraft Crashes During Low-Level Maneuvers in Mountainous Area (N64193)

Running Springs, CA, US

On July 12, 1994, a Cessna 172M (registration N64193) operated by Robert Koelsch was involved in an aviation accident near Running Springs, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flying pilot's operation of the aircraft at an altitude that did not provide sufficient terrain clearance necessary to recover from an inadvertent, pilot-induced stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

An aircraft performing a series of 360-degree turns and low-level maneuvers in a mountain pass area crashed. The surviving pilot reported searching for a cabin and feeling a downward force. Witnesses observed climbs, turns, and descents near steep terrain.

Flight Plan

The flight was planned to involve a series of 360-degree turns to gain altitude, followed by a departure through a mountain pass. The surviving pilot stated that at the time of the accident, the occupants were searching for a cabin in the area.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported feeling the aircraft being forced downward just before the crash, describing the sensation as if the aircraft had been "stepped on."

Witness Observations

Witnesses near the accident site reported seeing an aircraft matching the description of the accident aircraft on two separate occasions, each lasting about three minutes. During both sightings, the aircraft was observed performing low-level maneuvers, including climbs, turns, and descents. At times, these maneuvers were estimated to occur within 50 feet of steep terrain at an elevation of 4,540 feet. On several occasions, the aircraft descended below higher terrain and was lost from view. One witness commented that the aircraft appeared to be "chasing jack rabbits."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1994 Cessna 172M accident near Running Springs, CA?

An aircraft performing a series of 360-degree turns and low-level maneuvers in a mountain pass area crashed. The surviving pilot reported searching for a cabin and feeling a downward force. Witnesses observed climbs, turns, and descents near steep terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1994 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64193, operated by Robert Koelsch, at Running Springs, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the flying pilot's operation of the aircraft at an altitude that did not provide sufficient terrain clearance necessary to recover from an inadvertent, pilot-induced stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01767. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.