Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while flying along the west side of Monroe Mountain about 1,000 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered a downdraft near a river drainage at the southern end of the valley. The pilot applied full engine power, maneuvered to avoid a tree near the right wingtip, and attempted to maintain airspeed. During the maneuver, the airplane collided with another tree that the pilot had not seen. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain and was consumed by a postimpact fire.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA180 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marysvale, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Draw On The West Side Of Mount (None)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N6643A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.