C-FITAQP: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION
THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error in that the pilot operated the aircraft near rising terrain during times of increasing wind and turbulence, and allowed the aircraft to be fully stalled in attempt to maneuver away from terrain. The aircraft wreckage was found in such a position to indicate that the impact had been the result of a stall and spin.
NTSB
Probable Cause issued 8/25/2026 – 26 months after the accident: The pilot’s decision to conduct a low-altitude flight in mountainous terrain and his subsequent loss of airplane control after encountering mechanical turbulence, which resulted in an impact with the terrain.
THE DTSB
The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft operate at sufficient altitudes and distances from terrain such that safe margins are available during times of increasing or decreasing performance windshear or turbulence.
NTSB
None issued. NTSB recommendations are rare and usually tied to high-profile accidents.
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