A Diamond Aircraft DA40, registration N321PF, was destroyed following an accident near Cedar City, Utah, on April 23, 2022. The pilot and three passengers were killed in the crash, which occurred at approximately 18:48 mountain daylight time.
Witnesses traveling near the site reported seeing the airplane flying on an easterly heading roughly 200 to 300 feet above ground level. According to witnesses, the aircraft did not appear to be in distress initially, but then maneuvered as if the pilot was attempting a turn, with one witness noting the wings were almost completely vertical. The plane subsequently impacted mountainous terrain about 7 miles southeast of the departure airport, followed by a postcrash fire.
The flight departed from Cedar City Airport (CDC/KCDC) and was destined for Bryce Airport (BCE/KBCE). The aircraft was being operated as a private, personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
An investigation by the NTSB concluded that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance, leading to controlled flight into terrain. The NTSB also cited the pilot's decision to operate the aircraft above its maximum gross weight as a contributing factor.
Postaccident examination found no evidence of pre-existing mechanical malfunctions. However, records showed the airplane was approximately 128 pounds over its maximum gross weight at departure and outside the approved center-of-gravity envelope. Due to fuel use, the aircraft was likely about 98 pounds over the maximum weight at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that this excessive weight likely limited the ability of the airplane to climb in the mountainous terrain.
