Cessna 172 N52700

Summary

On 13 September 2020 at about 16:30 local time, a Cessna 172 registered N52700 was involved in an accident near Stanley, Idaho, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

13 September 2020 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Stanley, Idaho, United States

Coordinates

44.8886, -116.1017

Aircraft

Cessna 172

Registration

N52700

Category

Airplane

Year built

1981

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Stanley → Challis

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR20LA330

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after flying into the wrong canyon in mountainous terrain which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while climbing at 500 ft per minute, over mountainous terrain, he made a right turn into the wrong canyon from the flight the day before. Realizing his mistake, and unable to make a course reversal, the terrain was rising faster than the airplane could climb. He attempted a left-hand turn to try for lower terrain, however the airplane stalled and entered a spin. The pilot regained control and put the airplane in level flight just before colliding with trees. Both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.