FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Downwind Landing Attempt Leads to Collision with Terrain (N2393W)

Caliente, CA, US

On September 21, 1996, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2393W) operated by Burbank Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Caliente, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI) by allowing the airplane to flying into a box canyon area, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with wooded terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 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

A noncertificated student pilot on a business trip with a flight instructor attempted a go-around after an excessive-speed downwind landing. The airplane entered a box canyon, stalled, and struck trees, resulting in a nose-down crash. No preimpact malfunctions were found.

Flight Details

The noncertificated dual student was traveling on a business trip with friends to a destination featuring a dirt airstrip. He retained a flight instructor (CFI) to provide instruction along the route. During arrival, the CFI took control of the airplane and maneuvered to land on the east/west runway. Wind conditions were reported from 290 degrees at 5 knots gusting to 10 knots.

Accident Sequence

A ground witness observed the airplane performing a downwind low approach. A passenger stated that the instructor circled the area to alert the student pilot's friends. Subsequently, the airplane reentered the traffic pattern and landed downwind. The airplane's speed was excessive, prompting a go-around. The airplane then disappeared from the ground witness' view. After the aborted landing, the airplane entered a box canyon area. Reportedly, the instructor initiated a turn between 90 and 110 degrees, during which the stall warning buzzer sounded. The airplane then struck trees and crashed in a nose-down attitude.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident examination of the airplane disclosed no evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure.

Controlled flight into terrainAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 1996 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Caliente, CA?

A noncertificated student pilot on a business trip with a flight instructor attempted a go-around after an excessive-speed downwind landing. The airplane entered a box canyon, stalled, and struck trees, resulting in a nose-down crash. No preimpact malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2393W, operated by Burbank Flying Club, at Caliente, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI) by allowing the airplane to flying into a box canyon area, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with wooded terrain. The CFI's selection of the wrong runway and the resultant tailwind…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06765. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.