Bellanca 7GCBC N11698

Summary

On 21 September 2008 at about 16:00 local time, a Bellanca 7GCBC registered N11698 was involved in an accident near American Fork, Utah, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 September 2008 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

American Fork, Utah, United States

Nearest airport

Salt Lake City Municipal 2 (U42)

Coordinates

40.4183, -111.7156

Aircraft

Bellanca 7GCBC

Registration

N11698

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Salt Lake City → Heber City

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX08CA297

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to enter a box canyon, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot said that he was flying the airplane about 8,500 feet msl on an eastbound heading. He entered a canyon, and not believing he had sufficient clearance to cross over the ridge, began a 360-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn the pilot reported feeling the airplane sink; he then attempted to guide the airplane westbound down the canyon and away from terrain. The airplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at the 8,300-foot level. The pilot said that he did not perceive any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.