At 14:07 PDT, a Cessna Cardinal crashed shortly after takeoff from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, killing the pilot and one passenger and seriously injuring another passenger. Several pilot witnesses stated that the airplane appeared slow and did not climb much above the trees. About a mile north of the airport it was seen to barely clear the buildings at Tusayan. After crossing Highway 64, it was observed to roll to the left and descend into trees. At the time of the accident the airport density altitude was reported as 8,700 feet msl.
Aug. 3, Tusayan, Ariz. / Cessna 177B Cardinal
At 14:07 PDT, a Cessna Cardinal crashed shortly after takeoff from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, killing the pilot and one passenger and seriously injuring another passenger. Several pilot witnesses stated that the airplane appeared slow and did not climb much above the trees. About a mile north of the airport it was seen to barely clear the buildings at Tusayan. After crossing Highway 64, it was observed to roll to the left and descend into trees. At the time of the accident the airport density altitude was reported as 8,700 feet msl....
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna Cardinal crashed shortly after takeoff from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, killing the pilot and one passenger, and seriously injuring another.
- Witnesses reported the aircraft appeared slow and struggled to climb, barely clearing obstacles before rolling left and descending into trees.
- The accident occurred at an airport density altitude of 8,700 feet msl, a factor that significantly impacts aircraft performance.
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