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NTSB Report
April 15, 1991 · Aero Commander S-2R · N5539X
Grangeville, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Grangeville, ID
Aircraft
Aero Commander S-2R
Tail Number
N5539X
Operator
Steve W Kelsey
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA91LA260
THE FLT ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILINGS AND RAIN SHOWERS ON A VFR FLT THRU REMOTE HIGH ALT MT. TERRAIN. THE PILOT INADVERTANTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE. THE ACFT IMPACTED TERRAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE CANYON AT 7100 FT MSL.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE PILOT TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT IN IMC WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, RESULTING IN PILOT DISORIENTATION AND INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO A BOX CANYON. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE RAIN SHOWERS AND LOW CEILING WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE BOX CANYON IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE FLT ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILINGS AND RAIN SHOWERS ON A VFR FLT THRU REMOTE HIGH ALT MT. TERRAIN. THE PILOT INADVERTANTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE. THE ACFT IMPACTED TERRAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE CANYON AT 7100 FT MSL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftAero Commander S-2R
Tail NumberN5539X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSteve W Kelsey
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 19 C
Altimeter28.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT