Casualties unknown

2004-11-14: Cessna 152 (N48943) — Air West Flight Center Inc — Lyons, CO

Lyons, CO, US

On November 14, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N48943) operated by Air West Flight Center Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Lyons, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his intentional VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with trees while descending through a cloud layer after performing maneuvers above the overcast. The pilot and passenger reported initiating the descent from clear air before striking vegetation.

What happened

The incident occurred while the airplane was operating in instrument meteorological conditions. According to statements provided by both the pilot and the passenger, the flight initially took place above a solid cloud layer. During this phase, the crew executed various climbs, descents, and turning maneuvers to navigate or wait out conditions.

At some point, the decision was made to descend through the cloud cover. As the airplane penetrated the overcast layer, it lost separation from the terrain. The aircraft subsequently impacted a group of trees. Following the collision, the airplane came to rest while entangled within the vegetation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041116X01819. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.