Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness, and thus clearance from objects, while operating at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was on a local scenic flight with his family. He flew over nearby mountains, and descended to fly over a local ski resort. A family member reported seeing friends in the resort’s parking lot, and the pilot performed a climbing left turn for another pass. He began looking for his friends, and stated that he failed to monitor his altitude. One wing collided with trees and sustained spar and aileron damage. The pilot landed uneventfully at the departure airport.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA403 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wenatchee, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rockwell 690
- N-number
- N90AT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.