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Casualties unknown

Attempt to Cross Mountain Pass Ends in Terrain Impact (N2362K)

Fruitland, UT, US

On May 27, 1997, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2362K) was involved in an aviation accident near Fruitland, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors include his improper inflight decision to attempt to fly through a mountain pass under high density altitude conditions in an aircraft that was operating near the limits of its… 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

During a cross-country flight, a pilot tried to navigate a mountain pass above 8,500 feet. With density altitude exceeding 10,000 feet and climb rate under 100 ft/min, the aircraft encountered downdrafts that exceeded its climb capability, leading to terrain contact.

Accident Summary

A cross-country flight through mountainous terrain ended when the aircraft struck terrain while attempting to traverse a mountain pass. The pilot was flying the return leg of the journey.

Flight Details

The pilot attempted to fly through a mountain pass that was more than 8,500 feet high. At the time of the accident, the density altitude in the area was greater than 10,000 feet. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the aircraft's expected climb rate under those conditions would be less than 100 feet per minute.

Environmental Factors

While the pilot was trying to get through the pass, the aircraft encountered downdrafts. The rate of descent caused by the downdrafts exceeded the aircraft's maximum climb capability. Although the pilot attempted to outclimb the sinking air, he could not prevent the aircraft from descending into the terrain.

Controlled flight into terrainWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 1997 Piper PA-38 accident near Fruitland, UT?

During a cross-country flight, a pilot tried to navigate a mountain pass above 8,500 feet. With density altitude exceeding 10,000 feet and climb rate under 100 ft/min, the aircraft encountered downdrafts that exceeded its climb capability, leading to terrain contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 1997 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N2362K, at Fruitland, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors include his improper inflight decision to attempt to fly through a mountain pass under high density altitude conditions in an aircraft that was operating near the limits of its performance capability, high density altitude, downdrafts, and…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08035. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.