NTSB Identification: LAX84LA213.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 24275.
Accident occurred Saturday, March 10, 1984 in LEBEC, CA
Aircraft: CESSNA 172M, registration: N880LS
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.IN A PRELIMINARY ORAL STATEMENT, THE PLT SAID THAT THEY ENCOUNTERED AN UNFORCASTED OVERCAST & RISING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. LATER, SHE STATED THEY WERE TRYING TO MAINTAIN VFR FLT IN MOUNTAINS WITH SCATTERED CLOUDS IN THE AREA; THEN WHEN THEY WERE INITIATING A CLIMB TO CLEAR A RIDGE, THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT SETTLED INTO TREES ON A STEEP RISING SLOPE & CRASHED. BOTH PLTS ESTIMATED THE VISIBILITY WAS ABOUT 1.5 MI. OTHER PARTICIPANTS OBSERVED CLOUDS OBSCURING THE RIDGE CREST & DEVIATED ABOUT 5 MI SOUTH TO LOWER TERRAIN. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS APRX 5000 FT.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..RISING
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..HIGH TERRAIN
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..CLOUDS
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..LOW CEILING
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..DOWNDRAFT
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