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7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Glassair Sportsman | N202AZ

August 10th, 2026 | Payson, Arizona

Accident Location

  • City: Payson
  • State: Arizona
  • Latitude: 34.153497
  • Longitude: -111.474733
  • Airport ID: KPAN

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N202AZ
  • Make: Glassair
  • Model: Sportsman
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Lawrence, Bradley Reed
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 75
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: August 10th, 2026
  • Time: 5:50 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot departed from his local airport for a short scenic night flight, and flew approximately 9 nm on a 220 degree heading, and impacted directly into the wall face of rising terrain at approximately the 6,700 foot MSL level. The departure airport field elevation was 5,142 MSL, a net increase of almost 1,600 feet in that short time. The accident aircraft was new to the accident pilot, and it is likely that he did not fully understand the terrain electronic warning systems that were available to him for the flight.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of al aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to become more fully aware of terrain threats, and to be able to use electronic devices to show rapidly rising terrain features. The DTSB also recommends that all recreational pilots avoid night flight in the vicinity of this type of terrain.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.