Cessna 210 N94262 accident near Henefer, Utah

Probable cause

The pilots’ decision to enter a canyon at low altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while attempting to exit the canyon.

NTSB analysis

The two commercial pilots were conducting a familiarization aerial pipeline flight for one of the pilots, who was newly hired by the operator. Data from an onboard GPS unit indicated that the airplane was completing a 180° turn in a canyon. The last recorded data showed the airplane at a GPS altitude about 5,998 ft; company tracking data showed the airplane about .7 mile closer to the accident site at an altitude of 6,208 ft mean sea level. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

No significant weather or turbulence was reported or forecast in the area, and the density altitude at the time of the accident exceeded 9,700 ft.

Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilots maneuvered the airplane into a canyon at low altitude and were attempting to perform a climbing turn to exit the canyon when the airplane impacted terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19FA250 for the full record.