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NTSB Report
May 24, 1992 · Cessna 172L · N3988Q
Colburn, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1992
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Colburn, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 172L
Tail Number
N3988Q
Operator
Harkins Timber J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA92FA109
THE PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED AND INADVERTENTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. HE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE AT THE TOP OF THE NARROW CANYON AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND SLOW AIRSPEED, AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED ON THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AT 4400 FT MSL.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED, FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE IN A BOX CANYON, AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE NARROW BOX CANYON, THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, AND THE LACK OF MOUNTAIN FLYING EXPERIENCE BY THE PIC.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED AND INADVERTENTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. HE ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE AT THE TOP OF THE NARROW CANYON AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND SLOW AIRSPEED, AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED ON THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AT 4400 FT MSL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172L
Tail NumberN3988Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHarkins Timber J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal1
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 2 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC