Probable cause
The pilot‘s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in mountainous terrain with reduced visibility, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was maneuvering over mountainous terrain in deteriorating weather conditions and reduced visibility when the airplane stalled. He pushed the nose down to recover from the aerodynamic stall and then abruptly pitched the nose up to avoid oncoming rising terrain. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and settled to the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Silver City, Idaho
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 172G
- N-number
- N4640L
- 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.