Fossett..

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NTSB: FOSSETT'S CRASH CAUSED BY DOWNDRAFTS

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined the probable cause of Steve Fossett's fatal airplane crash. NTSB says the plane Fossett was piloting on September 3, 2007 - a Bellanca 8KCAB-180 (N240R) - struck mountainous terrain near Mammoth Lakes, California, following an inadvertent encounter with downdrafts that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the downdrafts, high-density altitude, and mountainous terrain, NTSB added. The Board's report, including the probable cause, is available on the NTSB's website.