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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Encounters Downdraft During Departure from Mountainous Airport (N7142M)

Challis, ID, US

On June 11, 1995, a Cessna 175 (registration N7142M) was involved in an aviation accident near Challis, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT/PLANNING PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DOWNDRAFT AND TAILWIND. 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 departing from a mountainous airport on Runway 04 with a tailwind encountered a downdraft near the end of the runway and descended into trees. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during departure from an airport located in a mountainous area. The terrain surrounding the airport is characterized by trees and steeply sloping ground. The preferred runway for departure, when wind conditions allow, is Runway 04, which slopes downhill and has lower terrain beyond its end.

Sequence of Events

The pilot took off on Runway 04 with a tailwind. During the departure, the airplane encountered a downdraft near the end of the runway. As a result, the airplane descended into trees.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jun 1995 Cessna 175 accident near Challis, ID?

An aircraft departing from a mountainous airport on Runway 04 with a tailwind encountered a downdraft near the end of the runway and descended into trees. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jun 1995 involved a Cessna 175, registration N7142M, at Challis, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT/PLANNING PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DOWNDRAFT AND TAILWIND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03812. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.