ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 37924
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| Date: | Friday 2 August 1996 |
| Time: | 10:08 LT |
| Type: |  Mooney M20K |
| Owner/operator: | Paul Capek |
| Registration: | N4634H |
| MSN: | 25-0472 |
| Engine model: | Continental TSIO-360-GB |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Grand Canyon, AZ -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Torrance, CA (KTOA) |
| Colby, KS (KCBK) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot was deviating for weather and reported cumulous buildups and electrical discharges with tops at and above his flight level. Radar data showed the aircraft ground track turning north as it began an unannounced descent. The descent continued until radar contact was lost. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft break out of the overcast, making a series of random turns, climbs, and dives before it collided with the canyon wall. The aircraft collided with the canyon wall near Pima Point. Thunderstorms had developed along the route several hours sooner than forecast. Examination of recorded weather radar data disclosed that a level 6 thunderstorm with tops to 49,000 feet was present at the location and time of the accident. There was no record of the pilot requesting or receiving updated weather information after his final DUATS briefing 4 hours prior to the accident. No evidence of mechanical discrepancies were found during the wreckage examination.
Probable Cause: due to an in-flight loss of control resulting from a probable incapacitation for unknown reasons. The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was being flown in close proximity to a level 6 thunderstorm. The failure of the pilot to obtain current weather information was a factor in this accident.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB LAX96FA294
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Oct-2008 10:30 | ASN archive | Added |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:23 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
| 09-Apr-2024 05:10 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative, Category, Accident report] |
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