Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Paonia: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Sep 28, 1984 at 0830 LT
Registration:
N7205L
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Grand Junction - Paonia
MSN:
31-716
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
1960.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9321
Circumstances:
The aircraft was flying at a very low altitude over mountainous terrain. As the aircraft approached a crest of a ridge the aircraft started to buffet and then encountered a downslope wind condition. The combination of approaching a stall and encountering a downdraft forced the aircraft into trees. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) object - tree(s)
2. (f) weather condition - downdraft
3. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
4. (c) proper climb rate - not attained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
5. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) object - tree(s)
2. (f) weather condition - downdraft
3. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
4. (c) proper climb rate - not attained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
5. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
Final Report:
