Breezy RLU-1A N3184

Summary

On 31 August 2002 at about 16:30 local time, a Breezy RLU-1A registered N3184 was involved in an accident near North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 August 2002 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Nearest airport

North Las Vegas (VGT)

Coordinates

36.2000, -115.4667

Aircraft

Breezy RLU-1A

Registration

N3184

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

North Las Vegas → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX02LA268

1 person was seriously injured.

the failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering in a canyon.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While maneuvering around a large rock feature, the airplane entered a blind/box canyon and collided with the rising terrain. The rear seat passenger/pilot had been flying the airplane. The pilot/owner detected downdrafts, and the airplane could not climb fast enough for the diminishing altitude. He only attempted to level the wings and land straight ahead. According to witness statements, the airplane was climbing over rising terrain and had begun to waver. Estimates of the altitude varied from 75 to 100 feet above a parking lot (elevation 3,500 feet), which was approximately 1 1/2 miles below the impact site. Hikers closer to the area had also seen the airplane as it made its approach overhead. They reported that the airplane appeared unstable as it flew up the canyon. They ran over to help and observed fuel leaking from the airplane. The engine had been running until impact, one witness said, but no fire ensued.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.