Casualties unknown

Pilot Disorientation Leads to Low-Level Maneuvering and Precautionary Landing in Utah (N24741)

Lehi, UT, US

On December 29, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N24741) was involved in an aviation accident near Lehi, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. FACTORS INCLUDE THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED, HIS IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO MANEUVER THROUGH UNFAMILIAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN TO HIS ORIGINAL DESTINATION,… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 flying from Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah, a pilot became disoriented and entered unfamiliar mountainous terrain. Despite restricted visibility, he continued low-level maneuvering. The elevator struck terrain during a ridge crossing, causing substantial damage. After controllability issues, he made a precautionary landing on brush-covered terrain.

Incident Summary

A pilot flying from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Provo, Utah, experienced disorientation and inadvertently entered unfamiliar mountainous terrain. Despite variable ceilings and visibility restricting flight in the area, the pilot chose to continue toward the original destination by maneuvering at low altitude.

Ridge Crossing and Damage

While crossing a ridge, the aircraft's elevator impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

Post-Impact Maneuvering

For approximately two minutes, the pilot attempted to fly out of the area. However, due to controllability problems stemming from the damage, he decided to execute a precautionary landing.

Landing

The pilot landed on brush-covered terrain, bringing the flight to an end. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Lehi, UT?

While flying from Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah, a pilot became disoriented and entered unfamiliar mountainous terrain. Despite restricted visibility, he continued low-level maneuvering. The elevator struck terrain during a ridge crossing, causing substantial damage. After controllability issues, he made a…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N24741, at Lehi, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. FACTORS INCLUDE THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED, HIS IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO MANEUVER THROUGH UNFAMILIAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN TO HIS ORIGINAL DESTINATION, AND HIGH VEGETATION AT THE SITE OF THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02805. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.