On September 14, 1998, a Cessna 172N (registration N737NH) was involved in an aviation accident near Montezuma Crk, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempted aerobatic maneuver and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his intentional low altitude flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pipeline inspection aircraft flying low-level entered a near-vertical climb with a left turn, stalled, and spun into the ground. No preimpact anomalies were found. A witness reported previous low-level aerobatic maneuvers.
Flight and Witness Observations
The airplane was conducting a cross-country pipeline inspection flight, requiring the pilot to maintain an altitude of 100 to 150 feet above ground level. Witnesses observed the airplane initiate a near-vertical climb accompanied by a left turn. The aircraft then went over the top and entered a spin, descending to the ground.
Previous Maneuvers
One witness reported seeing the same airplane on multiple prior occasions. She stated that the pilot had performed 90-degree knife-edge passes and vertical pop-up turns during those flights.
Investigation Findings
Investigators identified no preimpact anomalies with the engine or airframe that might have affected the airplane's performance. The examination found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.
What happened in the 14 Sept 1998 Cessna 172N accident near Montezuma Crk, UT?
A pipeline inspection aircraft flying low-level entered a near-vertical climb with a left turn, stalled, and spun into the ground. No preimpact anomalies were found. A witness reported previous low-level aerobatic maneuvers.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737NH, at Montezuma Crk, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's attempted aerobatic maneuver and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his intentional low altitude flight.
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