Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that she was returning to her home airport after being discontinued from her private pilot practical test. Upon departure and initial climb, she maneuvered the airplane into a valley and proceeded to attempt a climb over a ridge that was approximately 1,500 feet higher than the departure airport elevation. The student pilot stated that she knew as soon as she flew into the valley, the airplane was not going to be able to climb over the ridge, and that she was unable to turn the airplane around. She added that she performed a "controlled" crash into the trees. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and to both wings. The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA260 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ellenville, New York
- Nearest airport
- Joseph Y Resnick Airport (N89)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N5715F
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.