On April 18, 1995, a Cessna 182P (registration N85DK) operated by Donald L. Muchmore was involved in an aviation accident near Jerome, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the daytime flight into known adverse weather conditions at an inadequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a daytime cross-country flight, a pilot encountered deteriorating weather, climbed to 14,000 feet MSL, then descended. Radar last recorded the airplane descending to 7,900 feet MSL before it struck upsloping mountainous terrain at about 7,500-7,700 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
Weather Encounter and Flight Path
According to the investigation, during a daytime cross-country flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot climbed to approximately 14,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) and subsequently descended. Recorded radar data indicated that the airplane's route of flight was consistent with the route marked on an aeronautical chart found in the wreckage. A portion of the route included a highlighted course along Victor Airway 12 between the Winslow and Drake VORTACs.
Final Descent and Terrain Impact
Radar last recorded the airplane descending in a westerly direction to about 7,900 feet MSL. The wreckage was found at an elevation between 7,500 and 7,700 feet MSL, approximately 1 mile west of its last recorded radar position. Examination of the wreckage indicated that the airplane cruised into upsloping mountainous terrain while maintaining a westerly heading.
Mechanical Examination
No mechanical malfunctions were found with either the airframe or the engine during the post-accident examination.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 1995 Cessna 182P accident near Jerome, AZ?
During a daytime cross-country flight, a pilot encountered deteriorating weather, climbed to 14,000 feet MSL, then descended. Radar last recorded the airplane descending to 7,900 feet MSL before it struck upsloping mountainous terrain at about 7,500-7,700 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 1995 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N85DK, operated by Donald L. Muchmore, at Jerome, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the daytime flight into known adverse weather conditions at an inadequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain.