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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 29, 1990 · Cessna 172N · N738AQ

Neilton, WA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Neilton, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N738AQ
Operator
Wurscher David L
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA90LA199

FIRST TRAINING FLIGHT FOR PIC IN SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS. CFI ON BOARD HAD FLOWN SEVERAL MISSIONS. FLIGHT WAS TO PRACTICE CONTOUR TERRAIN FLYING AT APRX 80 KNOTS AND 300-400 FT AGL. WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF A BOX CANYON ABOUT 1500 FT BELOW THE RIDGE LINE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FAILURE OF THE CREW TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE TERRAIN. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE MOUNTAINOUS AND BOX CANYON TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

FIRST TRAINING FLIGHT FOR PIC IN SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS. CFI ON BOARD HAD FLOWN SEVERAL MISSIONS. FLIGHT WAS TO PRACTICE CONTOUR TERRAIN FLYING AT APRX 80 KNOTS AND 300-400 FT AGL. WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF A BOX CANYON ABOUT 1500 FT BELOW THE RIDGE LINE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN738AQ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWurscher David L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data