On August 28, 2004, a Cessna 172S (registration N2477E) was involved in an aviation accident near Leakey, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain. A contributing factor was the high density altitude. 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 270-hour pilot reported descending into a mountain after feeling a pull and rapid airspeed loss, while density altitude was calculated at 4,532 feet.
Accident Summary
A pilot with 270 hours of flight experience reported that the airplane impacted the side of a mountain after he departed an area over mountainous terrain. The pilot had been flying approximately 500 feet above the ground prior to the event.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that it "felt like something was pulling me [the airplane] down as the airspeed was dropping fast." He added that he increased power and lowered the nose in an attempt to increase airspeed, but the airplane continued to sink despite his inputs.
Environmental Conditions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude at the time of the accident to be 4,532 feet.
What happened in the 28 Aug 2004 Cessna 172S accident near Leakey, TX?
A 270-hour pilot reported descending into a mountain after feeling a pull and rapid airspeed loss, while density altitude was calculated at 4,532 feet.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N2477E, at Leakey, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.
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