Amateur-built CCK-1865 N66DN accident near Moab, Utah

Probable cause

The pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude in mountainous terrain.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and private pilot flew a local flight in mountainous terrain. The airplane headed southwest down a nearby canyon toward rising mountainous terrain and impacted a ridgeline about 11 miles from the departure airport. The pilots were likely maneuvering near the canyon wall to get appropriate displacement for a turn reversal. However, terrain clearance was not maintained with the ridgeline in the canyon that was perpendicular to the route of flight.

No significant weather or turbulence was reported or forecast for the area.

Analysis of the airplane’s onboard recorded flight data revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Engine parameters indicated normal operation, and the airplane had an adequate amount of fuel on board just before the accident. The recovered data, along with evidence obtained from the airplane wreckage, were consistent with controlled flight into terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19FA182 for the full record.