4 fatal · Cessna 172P · 2000-04-28 · CHESTER, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX00FA178
Event ID
20001212X20842
Type
Accident
Date
2000-04-28
Location
CHESTER, CA, USA
Coordinates
40.269275, -121.23999
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
4
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
4
Aircraft
Make
Cessna
Model
172P
Registration
N216PB
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with a wind shear at low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and a stall/spin. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude and the pilot's lack of experience and training in high density altitude operations. The pilot's decision to takeoff downwind, while reasonable given the nature of the obstacles and terrain on the other runways, set up a situation where decreased safety margins existed and is considered a factor.