On January 12, 1996, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2132J) was involved in an aviation accident near Collbran, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional flight at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate terrain clearance to compensate for a downdraft. The downdraft was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane crossed a mountain ridge into a canyon, encountered a fast descent, and the pilot elected to land on a frozen lake. The aircraft slid across the lake and up an embankment, shearing off the right main landing gear.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the airplane crossed a mountain ridge and flew into a canyon. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered 'a very fast rate of descent.' The pilot descended below the tree tops near a frozen lake. Believing the airplane would not clear the trees ahead, the pilot elected to land on the lake.
Landing Sequence
The airplane slid across the surface of the frozen lake and then up the opposite embankment. The impact with the embankment sheared off the right main landing gear. No further damage was reported.
Aftermath
The pilot's decision to land on the lake prevented a potential collision with trees. The aircraft came to rest on the embankment after the slide.
What happened in the 12 Jan 1996 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Collbran, CO?
An airplane crossed a mountain ridge into a canyon, encountered a fast descent, and the pilot elected to land on a frozen lake. The aircraft slid across the lake and up an embankment, shearing off the right main landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jan 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2132J, at Collbran, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's intentional flight at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate terrain clearance to compensate for a downdraft. The downdraft was a related factor.
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