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WPR21LA360

2021-09-27 · Warren, Idaho, United States · Serious · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport 3U1

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering in a valley of mountainous terrain.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, she encountered downdrafts. She decided against a crosswind turn and maneuvered the airplane though a valley with the intention of turning the airplane around. However, the airplane was unable to outclimb the terrain and struck treetops. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and a fire ensued. The airplane was destroyed during the postimpact fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
  • — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Downdraft-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2021_WPR21LA360.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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