On October 22, 1994, a Cessna 172H (registration N2721L) operated by Macwherter, George W. was involved in an aviation accident near Tres Piedras, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH LED TO MANEUVERING AT SLOW AIRSPEED TO AVOID TERRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN FURTHER LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country flight, a pilot attempting to clear 10,000-foot mountains initiated a 180-degree turn. Airspeed dropped, stall warning sounded, and the aircraft struck trees before impacting the ground.
Incident Summary
A cross-country flight encountered difficulties while attempting to clear a mountain ridge at 10,000 feet. The pilot began a climb but realized the aircraft could not clear the ridge line and attempted a 180-degree turn to the left.
Sequence of Events
During the turn, the pilot observed the airspeed decrease from 80-90 knots to 60 knots. The Global Positioning System (GPS) indicated a slow ground speed. The pilot reported hearing the stall warning horn and noticing the aircraft's nose dip. The aircraft subsequently struck several trees and descended out of control to ground impact.
No additional details about the aircraft, pilot, or location are available from the source.
What happened in the 22 Oct 1994 Cessna 172H accident near Tres Piedras, NM?
During a cross-country flight, a pilot attempting to clear 10,000-foot mountains initiated a 180-degree turn. Airspeed dropped, stall warning sounded, and the aircraft struck trees before impacting the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Oct 1994 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2721L, operated by Macwherter, George W., at Tres Piedras, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH LED TO MANEUVERING AT SLOW AIRSPEED TO AVOID TERRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN FURTHER LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND AN AERODYNAMIC STALL.
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