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6 fatalities

Single-Engine Airplane Stalls and Crashes in Blind Canyon (N1535U)

Furnace Creek, United States of AmericaFlight

On June 1, 1980, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N1535U) operated by Mary G. Richert was involved in an aviation accident near Furnace Creek, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall and subsequent crash due to improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported: - The pilot misjudged distance, speed and altitude, - Flew into blind canyon, - Unqualified person operated aircraft, -… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane stalled while flying low into a blind canyon and crashed between ridges on rising terrain. The wreckage was recovered two days later in an isolated area. All six occupants were killed.

Accident Details

A single-engine airplane was flying at a relatively low altitude into a blind canyon when it stalled and subsequently crashed between ridges on rising terrain. The wreckage was located and recovered in an isolated area two days after the accident. All six occupants of the aircraft were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a stall and subsequent crash due to improper in-flight decisions on the part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were identified:

  • The pilot misjudged distance, speed, and altitude.
  • The pilot flew into a blind canyon.
  • An unqualified person operated the aircraft.
  • Density altitude was approximately 7,000 feet.
Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 1980 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Furnace Creek, United States of America?

A single-engine airplane stalled while flying low into a blind canyon and crashed between ridges on rising terrain. The wreckage was recovered two days later in an isolated area. All six occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1980 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 1980 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N1535U, operated by Mary G. Richert, at Furnace Creek, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall and subsequent crash due to improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported: - The pilot misjudged distance, speed and altitude, - Flew into blind canyon, - Unqualified person operated aircraft, - Density altitude approximately 7,000 feet.

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