7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Luscombe 8A | N37081

June 12th, 2024 | Lake Tahoe City, California

Accident Location

  • City: Lake Tahoe City
  • State: California
  • Latitude: 38.891071
  • Longitude: -119.96671
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N37081
  • Make: Luscombe
  • Model: 8A
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Jones, Samuel David
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age:
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: None
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: June 12th, 2024
  • Time: 5:35 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: WPR24FA195
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • 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 pilot attempted to clear a section of rising terrain by following a road, where eventually the thrust available from the very low power aircraft was not sufficient to provide a climb gradient greater than the rising terrain presented. The pilot did attempt a return to the opposite direction from which he had come, and stalled the aircraft in the the process of that turn.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become familiar with the hazards of attempted aircraft operation in areas of high elevation, high density altitude, and steeply rising terrain. The DTSB recommends that pilots circle to attain a proper safe altitude while remaining a safe distance from terrain before advancing towards the 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.