Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to enter a box canyon, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that he was flying the airplane about 8,500 feet msl on an eastbound heading. He entered a canyon, and not believing he had sufficient clearance to cross over the ridge, began a 360-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn the pilot reported feeling the airplane sink; he then attempted to guide the airplane westbound down the canyon and away from terrain. The airplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at the 8,300-foot level. The pilot said that he did not perceive any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA297 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- American Fork, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Salt Lake City Municipal 2 (U42)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N11698
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.