N52071Cessna 172P · 1980

The pilot reported that during an "introductory flight" for two passengers, he departed the airport and flew into a canyon where the airplane encountered an "unforeseen immense downdraft". He further reported that he immediately initiated a right turn to exit the canyon but it became clear that a turn was not possible due to the mountainous terrain. Subsequently, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on a mountain road. After touchdown the airplane skidded off the dirt road and down an embankment. A post-crash fire resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

As a safety recommendation the pilot reported that he should have given himself more altitude before entering the canyon.

According to a written statement received from the student pilot, during the takeoff roll and rotation from runway 17, the student pilot noted that the flaps were still extended to 30 degrees. The student pilot retracted the flaps and the airplane began to drift to the left. He attempted to correct back to centerline but was unable. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, continued across the field and impacted a perimeter fence. The empennage of the airplane was substantially damaged. An examination of the airplane and its systems, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed no anomalies.