Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude following an encounter with turbulence and adverse wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that she encountered unexpected winds while flying at night. After multiple encounters with strong wind gusts and turbulence, the pilot lost control of the airplane and it started to spin downward. She was able to successfully recover from the spin, but was forced to search for a suitable landing site as she was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open snow-covered area and the airplane stopped abruptly, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA099 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rich County, Utah
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Beech C23
- N-number
- N23FD
- 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.