Cessna 172P N53161

Summary

On 30 October 2004 at about 06:54 local time, a Cessna 172P registered N53161, operated by Eagle Flight Center, was involved in an accident near Olympia, Washington, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 October 2004 at 06:54

Classification

Accident

Location

Olympia, Washington, United States

Coordinates

47.0019, -123.0664

Aircraft

Cessna 172P

Registration

N53161

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Eagle Flight Center

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Everett → Troutdale

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

SEA05FA013

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in known adverse weather conditions. Clouds, rain, high wind, dark night, trees, mountainous terrain and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision were factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a night cross country flight in known adverse weather conditions, the private pilot, with the assistance of air traffic control, was trying to divert into a nearby airport. The pilot reported rough turbulence and heavy rain to the controller. Radar tracking indicated that the flight was in an area of mountainous terrain when the aircraft descended below radar coverage. The wreckage was located on the side of a ridge line. Evidence indicated that the aircraft collided with a dead tree snag before colliding with rising terrain in a level attitude. Witnesses located north of the accident site reported hearing an aircraft fly overhead their residence. These witnesses reported heavy rain and high wind at the time. Post accident inspection of the wreckage and engine did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.