A Routine Flight Turns Fatal
On May 8, 2017, a familiarization flight for a new employee at ICON Aircraft ended in tragedy when an ICON A5 light sport amphibious aircraft (N184BA) crashed into a steep canyon near Lake Berryessa, California. The 55-year-old commercial pilot and his passenger were both killed.
What began as a low-altitude scenic flight over the lake turned deadly when the aircraft entered a narrow canyon surrounded by steep terrain. The pilot attempted a sharp U-turn, but the aircraft couldn’t climb fast enough and crashed into the hillside.
An Experienced Pilot in a Unique Aircraft
The 55-year-old commercial pilot had extensive experience, with 4,506 total flight hours, including 595 hours in the ICON A5. He held multiple ratings, including single-engine and multi-engine land and sea, glider, and instrument airplane ratings.
The ICON A5 is a two-seat, amphibious, light-sport aircraft designed for adventure flying. It features sporty handling, foldable wings, and water-landing capability. However, it also has a low stall speed (39 knots with flaps extended) and a limited climb rate, making it challenging to escape rising terrain at low altitudes.
A Deadly Mistake in a Canyon
The pilot and his passenger departed from Nut Tree Airport (VCB) in Vacaville, California, at 08:52 AM. They flew north toward Lake Berryessa, a 23-mile-long reservoir surrounded by steep terrain.
The Final Moments
- The aircraft descended to just 30–50 feet above the lake, flying at 30–40 mph.
- A witness saw the plane enter Little Portuguese Canyon, a narrow area surrounded by rising terrain.
- The engine suddenly revved up as the pilot appeared to realize he was trapped.
- The aircraft climbed to 100 feet, then attempted a sharp left turn to escape.
- The aircraft stalled and descended rapidly, crashing into the canyon wall at 66 knots (76 mph).
No Mechanical Failures—Just an Unrecoverable Situation
Investigators found no mechanical issues with the aircraft. The engine and controls were functioning properly, and no emergency parachute deployment was attempted.
The probable cause:
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
Investigators believe the pilot mistook the canyon for an open area of the lake. By the time he realized there was no exit, he didn’t have enough altitude or speed to turn around safely.
Key Safety Lessons
1. Beware of “Dead-End” Terrain
Flying into a box canyon at low altitude is a classic aviation trap. Pilots must always leave an escape route—either an immediate climb or a clear path to turn around.
2. Low-Altitude Flying Leaves No Room for Error
The ICON A5 was designed for low and slow flying, but this also increases the risk of terrain collisions. Even skilled pilots must be extremely cautious when flying near mountains, canyons, or bodies of water.
3. Know Your Aircraft’s Climb Performance
The ICON A5’s maximum climb rate was about 600 feet per minute at best conditions. But at low speeds and in a turn, the aircraft could not outclimb the rising terrain.
4. Always Have an Escape Plan
When flying near mountainous terrain, pilots must anticipate escape routes in advance. The best strategy is to stay high, stay fast, and always have a way out.
Final Thoughts
This crash was preventable. The pilot, despite his experience, made a deadly miscalculation—flying too low into a canyon with no exit. The ICON A5 is an incredibly fun aircraft to fly, but low-altitude flying requires extreme caution.
Every accident teaches us something. The best way to honor those lost is to learn from their mistakes.
