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Casualties unknown

Pilot Conducting Fish Planting Mission Impacts Ridge After Abrupt Turn (N24GS)

Howard, CO, US

On September 4, 2002, a Cessna A185F (registration N24GS) was involved in an aviation accident near Howard, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the terrain. Contributing factors were the clear air turbulent weather condition, and the high density altitude 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

A pilot flying a fish-planting mission to a high-altitude lake in Colorado made an abrupt left turn and hit a ridge. Other pilots reported wind shear and turbulence at similar altitudes. Density altitude was calculated at 12,350 feet.

Accident Details

A pilot was conducting an aerial fish planting mission for the State of Colorado, flying to a high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of 11,300 feet. According to data from an onboard GPS recorder, at an altitude of 11,429 feet, the airplane performed an abrupt 90-degree turn to the left and subsequently impacted an adjacent ridge.

Weather Conditions

Winds at lower altitudes were reported as calm. However, three other Colorado State pilots flying similar missions in the same area reported encountering wind shear and moderate turbulence between 11,500 and 12,500 feet.

Density Altitude

The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 12,350 feet, indicating reduced aircraft performance due to high altitude and temperature conditions.

Investigation

The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the abrupt turn or the subsequent impact with the ridge. No information regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or damage was provided in the source material.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 2002 Cessna A185F accident near Howard, CO?

A pilot flying a fish-planting mission to a high-altitude lake in Colorado made an abrupt left turn and hit a ridge. Other pilots reported wind shear and turbulence at similar altitudes. Density altitude was calculated at 12,350 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 2002 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N24GS, at Howard, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020911X01588. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.