NTSB Identification: LAX88LA110.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 38656.
Accident occurred Saturday, February 13, 1988 in SENECA, AZ
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/07/1989
Aircraft: CESSNA 152, registration: N757NM
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE RECENTLY CERTIFIED PILOT AND HIS PAX DEPARTED FOR A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS AN AIR FORCE T-37 INSTRUCTOR PILOT BUT HAD JUST RECEIVED HIS SINGLE ENGINE LAND RATING ON 2/11/88. SEVERAL WITNESSES, INCLUDING A PILOT, REPORTED SEEING THE AIRCRAFT MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDES IN RUGGED, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THE AIRCRAFT OVERDUE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS FOUND IN A BOX CANYON. IT HAD CONTACTED A MESQUITE TREE AND TERRAIN AT A POINT WHERE A PILOT WOULD BE OBLIGATED TO REVERSE COURSE. THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS DEVELOPING POWER AT IMPACT. NO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND. THE PILOT HAD FLOWN ONLY JET AIRCRAFT IN THE AREA PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. RESCUE PERSONNEL DESCRIBED VARIABLE, GUSTY WINDS IN THE AREA.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PROPER ALTITUDE..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
CLEARANCE..MISJUDGED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..BLIND/BOX CANYON
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..TURBULENCE
Contributing Factors
WEATHER EVALUATION..POOR..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF AIRCRAFT..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OPERATION..PILOT IN COMMAND
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