Ok, we’ll admit it, the photo might look like click-bait. But I don’t know any other way to describe this video than miraculous. The pilot and passengers in the Cessna are very lucky to have survived this incident.
It appears that the Cessna was attempting a mountain crossing in the Colorado Rockies. When they determined that they could not gain enough altitude to cross the ridge, the aircraft made an abrupt turn and appeared to stall. Somehow though, they were able to regain control of the aircraft just feet above the ground. It highlights the importance of every pilot fully understanding the effects of aircraft performance and density altitude and only flying in areas where there is a viable escape option.
Account from the eye witness on the Cessna’s Flight
Jason Dunn posted the following video and pictures on Facebook this past week. In describing the incident, Jason said, “Crazy thing happened today while hiking up to Devil’s Thumb in Grand County. While sitting in the saddle on the ridge at the top (the Continental Divide), a plane came up the valley from the opposite (Boulder) side. It was clear the plane was struggling trying to clear the saddle. It was coming straight at us, and as a former licensed pilot, I was worried it would go into an aerodynamic stall. Then it either did, or the pilot made a last ditch effort to turn the plane around in a dead end valley before crashing into the mountain (or us). My son was further up the ridge line and caught most of it on video. As you can see, he made it by less than a couple of feet. If anyone has connection to Boulder municipal airport, you might send. I’m guessing he was coming from there and would love to have the video.”
Mountain Crossings In Single Engine Aircraft Require Great Skill And Planning, Even Then Things Can Go Wrong
Flying any aircraft in mountainous terrain requires preparation and route study. Flying a single engine aircraft in mountainous terrain can be done safely but requires even more preparation and contingency planning. The reduced air density at higher elevations affects aircraft performance. This can severely limit the ability for an aircraft to climb or maneuver. Additionally, mountains have dynamic weather patterns that can change quickly. Every pilot who needs/wants to fly in mountainous terrain must carefully calculate performance with the actual payload and fuel. They also need to carefully observe the weather forecasts, and plot egress points in the event that the weather deteriorates unexpectedly. It is recommended that inexperienced pilots first fly with other pilots who are familiar with the terrain to gain confidence and experience.
Familiarity with terrain and divert options are vital. Routes with box canyons should be avoided as much as possible, particularly when the crossing altitude is anywhere close to operational limits of the aircraft for a set of weather and density altitude conditions.
The combination of technical flying skills, thorough preflight planning, and continuous situational awareness makes mountain crossings in single-engine aircraft one of the most challenging and respected feats in general aviation.
We’re just glad these folks were safe and lived to fly another day.
