Aircraft stall and terrain impact following encounter with downdrafts

Casualties unknown • Telluride, CO, US

An aircraft experienced a stall and impacted terrain after encountering downdrafts while attempting to climb over a ridge.

What happened

Following departure from the local airport, the pilot was operating the aircraft at an altitude of 10,600 feet MSL toward the leeward side of a ridge. The pilot reported that the aircraft maintained a good rate of climb until it reached the ridgeline, at which point the aircraft encountered downdrafts.

Upon reaching the ridge, the aircraft stopped climbing and began a descent. In an attempt to clear the ridge, the pilot raised the nose of the aircraft, which triggered the stall warning horn. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted terrain approximately 200 feet below the ridgeline.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered downdrafts while attempting to climb over rising terrain, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-09-09 Cessna T207A accident near Telluride, CO?

An aircraft experienced a stall and impacted terrain after encountering downdrafts while attempting to climb over a ridge.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-09 involved a Cessna T207A, registration N207GR, at Telluride, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered downdrafts while attempting to climb over rising terrain, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050928X01543. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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