# NTSB LAX88FA277: Cessna 414A, N414YV, Big Pine, CA, July 31, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1988, 12:17 local (19:17 UTC)
- Place: Big Pine, CA
- Coordinates: 37.129268, -118.16098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1293&lon=-118.1610&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25854
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA277
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25854/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA277

## Probable cause

THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY FLEW OVER AN AREA OF HIGH TERRAIN IN WHICH HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE AND HE DELAYED HIS DECISION TO REVERSE COURSE. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon
  - terrain condition - high terrain
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT-OWNER DECIDED TO OVERFLY A GLACIER WHICH WAS LOCATED IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS. THE GLACIER WAS LOCATED NEAR THE 12,000 FOOT MSL BASE OF A 14,000 FOOT MSL MOUNTAIN NEAR THE HEAD OF A BOX CANYON. WITNESSES REPORTED CLEARLY OBSERVING THE ACFT ENTER THE CANYON AREA. WHEN THE ACFT WAS NEARLY OVER THE GLACIER THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO COMMENCE A COURSE REVERSAL. DURING THE TURN THE ACFT STALLED, DESCENDED RAPIDLY & CRASHED INTO ROCKY 40 DEGREE UPSLOPING TERRAIN WHEREUPON IT BURNED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N414YV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N414YV-1991-06-11), registration cancelled 1991-06-11, S/N 414A0529 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 414A
- Registry model: [Cessna 414A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-414a) (registry code 2075907) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 414A0529
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-NB 340 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Curtis D. Lorenz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 18, 1988
- Departed: BIH, BISHOP, CA
- Destination: MYF, SAN DIEGO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880731033699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880731033699A), Jul 31, 1988: Cessna 414A, Big Pine, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew up a box canyon. Unable to climb terrain, made a sharp course reversal, stalled, crashed, and burned.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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