Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to descend into a canyon that exceeded the performance
capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the airplane reported that while enroute he chose to descend and perform a low pass over an airstrip located within a canyon. After the airplane overflew the airstrip, the pilot realized the airplane’s climb performance was insufficient to clear the rising terrain in its flight path. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees and terrain, resulting substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA315 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 26, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kooskia, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Fish Lake Usfs (S92)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N54829
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.