Summary
On June 08, 2012, a Piper PA-28-140 (N2839T) was involved in an accident near Sula, MT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inability to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in a downdraft over mountainous terrain.
The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,000 - 2,500 feet above ground level over mountainous terrain when it encountered a strong downdraft. At full power and best rate of climb, the airplane was descending 1,500 feet per minute. The pilot stated that he could not turn left because of a mountain, and he was afraid that turning right would result in a greater loss of altitude and a collision with trees. When he was sure that he was not going to clear the terrain, he performed a steep left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment next to a road with the engine at full power and the stall warning light on.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA209. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2839T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inability to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in a downdraft over mountainous terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,000 - 2,500 feet above ground level over mountainous terrain when it encountered a strong downdraft. At full power and best rate of climb, the airplane was descending 1,500 feet per minute. The pilot stated that he could not turn left because of a mountain, and he was afraid that turning right would result in a greater loss of altitude and a collision with trees. When he was sure that he was not going to clear the terrain, he performed a steep left turn. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment next to a road with the engine at full power and the stall warning light on.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA209