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Pilot Unable to Cross Ridge After Low-Altitude Flight into Mountainous Drainage (N4628L)

Paradise, WA, US

On September 5, 1994, a Cessna 172G (registration N4628L) was involved in an aviation accident near Paradise, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PROPER ALTITUDE WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN CONDITIONS AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. 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

A newly rated private pilot reported inability to maintain altitude to cross a ridge, but passengers and witnesses noted persistent low altitude. The pilot turned into a drainage, striking trees and terrain with gradient exceeding aircraft climb capability.

Accident Overview

A newly rated private pilot was operating an airplane when the aircraft struck trees and impacted terrain in a mountainous drainage. The pilot stated that the airplane was unable to maintain sufficient altitude to cross a ridge. However, passengers and witnesses indicated that the pilot maintained very low altitude throughout the flight.

Flight Details

According to passengers, the pilot turned the airplane into a mountainous drainage where the airplane struck trees before impacting terrain. The low-altitude flight path was consistently observed by both passengers and witnesses.

Terrain Conditions

An investigation determined that the gradient of the terrain in the drainage exceeded the climb gradient capability of the aircraft. This condition prevented the airplane from climbing out of the area after entering the drainage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1994 Cessna 172G accident near Paradise, WA?

A newly rated private pilot reported inability to maintain altitude to cross a ridge, but passengers and witnesses noted persistent low altitude. The pilot turned into a drainage, striking trees and terrain with gradient exceeding aircraft climb capability.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4628L, at Paradise, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PROPER ALTITUDE WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN CONDITIONS AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02353. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.