Summary
On September 21, 2008, a Bellanca 7GCBC (N11698) was involved in an accident near American Fork, UT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to enter a box canyon, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
The pilot of the Bellanca 7GCBC reported flying the airplane about 8,500 feet msl on an eastbound heading. He entered a canyon, and not believing he had sufficient clearance to cross over the ridge, began a 360-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn the pilot reported feeling the airplane sink; he then attempted to guide the airplane westbound down the canyon and away from terrain. The airplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at the 8,300-foot level.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX08CA297. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N11698.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to enter a box canyon, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the Bellanca 7GCBC reported flying the airplane about 8,500 feet msl on an eastbound heading. He entered a canyon, and not believing he had sufficient clearance to cross over the ridge, began a 360-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn the pilot reported feeling the airplane sink; he then attempted to guide the airplane westbound down the canyon and away from terrain. The airplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at the 8,300-foot level.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA297