On May 2, 2018, a CESSNA 172 N was involved in an aviation accident near Port Angeles, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impulsive decision to delay the turn away from rising terrain, as reported by the pilot. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot flying cross-country over mountainous terrain with a tailwind turned to avoid rising terrain, but the airplane descended and impacted terrain, causing substantial damage. The pilot attributed the accident to an impulsive decision to delay the turn.
Accident Details
During a cross-country flight over mountainous terrain, the pilot reported having a tailwind and allowing the airplane to get too close to the terrain. He initiated a right turn to avoid the rising terrain, but the terrain was "getting close very quickly." The pilot increased the bank angle, and the nose dropped. He then applied forward pressure on the yoke; full throttle had already been applied. The airplane descended and impacted terrain. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Account
According to the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aviation Accident Report, the pilot stated in the Recommendation section that his decision to delay the turn away from rising terrain was impulsive and the main culprit for this accident.
No Mechanical Issues
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's impulsive decision to delay the turn away from rising terrain, as reported by the pilot.
Contributing factors
PilotCapability exceededEffect on operationLateral/bank control — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 2 May 2018 CESSNA 172 N accident near Port Angeles, WA?
A pilot flying cross-country over mountainous terrain with a tailwind turned to avoid rising terrain, but the airplane descended and impacted terrain, causing substantial damage. The pilot attributed the accident to an impulsive decision to delay the turn.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 2018 CESSNA 172 N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 May 2018 involved a CESSNA 172 N, at Port Angeles, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's impulsive decision to delay the turn away from rising terrain, as reported by the pilot.
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