Commonwealth 185 N92827

Summary

On 22 June 2007 at about 20:54 local time, a Commonwealth 185 registered N92827, operated by Robert Lee Graham, was involved in an accident near Redlands, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

22 June 2007 at 20:54

Classification

Accident

Location

Redlands, California, United States

Coordinates

34.0853, -117.1464

Aircraft

Commonwealth 185

Registration

N92827

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Robert Lee Graham

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Redlands → Rubidoux

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA07CA176

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation which resulted in the airplane's lack of climb performance and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the downdraft and the high temperature.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he and the passenger, who was the owner of the airplane, were going for a local flight. The airplane was powered by an 85 horsepower engine and manufactured in 1946. Approximately 0.5-miles from their departure airport, the airplane suddenly began to sink so the pilot turned the airplane into the wind. The airplane began to climb and then encountered downdrafts and an excessive sink rate developed. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and force-landed the airplane in a gravel quarry. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The temperature at the time was approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.