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Casualties unknown

Airplane Found Below Mountain Saddle After Loss of Radar Contact (N34859)

Crowheart, WY, US

On July 27, 2002, a Cessna 177B (registration N34859) was involved in an aviation accident near Crowheart, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the high mountain terrain. Contributing factors were the high mountain terrain, and the high density altitude weather condition. 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

Approximately 37 minutes after departure, radar showed the airplane climbing through 10,500 feet. The last return was 4 nautical miles from the impact site, where the airplane was found 100 feet below a saddle at 11,200 feet elevation. Density altitude was 12,278 feet, exceeding the service ceiling of 14,600 feet.

Incident Overview

Approximately 37 minutes after departure, radar data indicates that the airplane was climbing through 10,500 feet, with a 245 degree ground track. The last radar return was approximately 4 nautical miles from the impact point.

Wreckage Location

The airplane was found approximately 100 feet below a saddle (elevation 11,200 feet) of two mountain summits.

Aircraft Performance

According to the airplane's Owner's Manual, the service ceiling was 14,600 feet. The density altitude was calculated to be 12,278 feet.

Flight Path

The flight path, as indicated by radar, showed a steady climb before the loss of contact. The ground track of 245 degrees and the final altitude of 10,500 feet are the last recorded data points before the accident.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 2002 Cessna 177B accident near Crowheart, WY?

Approximately 37 minutes after departure, radar showed the airplane climbing through 10,500 feet. The last return was 4 nautical miles from the impact site, where the airplane was found 100 feet below a saddle at 11,200 feet elevation. Density altitude was 12,278 feet, exceeding the service ceiling of 14,600 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 2002 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N34859, at Crowheart, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the high mountain terrain. Contributing factors were the high mountain terrain, and the high density altitude weather condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01334. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.