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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Loss of Control at High Density Altitude (N569C)

Jackson Hole, WY, US

On October 13, 1998, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N569C) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson Hole, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors contributing to the accident were the unfavorable weather condition, mountain wave and the high density altitude. 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

A pilot reported an incident during climb near mountains, with indicated airspeed dropping to 60-65 knots and descent rate of 800-1,200 fpm despite full forward yoke. No wind was indicated by windsock.

Accident Summary

While taxiing for takeoff, the pilot observed a windsock indicating no wind and had not received a forecasted winds aloft briefing. The departure was conducted eastward toward the mountains, with the aircraft climbing at an indicated airspeed (IAS) of 85 to 90 knots. The pilot then turned the airplane to the southwest and continued climbing through 10,000 feet, corresponding to a density altitude of approximately 11,000 feet. At that point, the IAS dropped to between 60 and 65 knots.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the airplane began to descend at a rate of 800 to 1,200 feet per minute. He stated that despite applying full forward yoke, he could not lower the aircraft's nose. The pilot kept the wings level and reported pulling the yoke back fully close to impacting the trees.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Oct 1998 Stinson 108-3 accident near Jackson Hole, WY?

A pilot reported an incident during climb near mountains, with indicated airspeed dropping to 60-65 knots and descent rate of 800-1,200 fpm despite full forward yoke. No wind was indicated by windsock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Oct 1998 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N569C, at Jackson Hole, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors contributing to the accident were the unfavorable weather condition, mountain wave and the high density altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11241. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.