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NTSB Report
October 31, 1987 · Piper PA-22-150 · N4771A
San Jose, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 31, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
San Jose, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N4771A
Operator
Riffle David T
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX88LA030
WHILE FLYING 500-600 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT TURNED INTO WHAT HE BELIEVED TO BE AN OPEN ENDED CANYON. AFTER BECOMING AWARE THAT HE HAD INADVERTENTLY TURNED INTO A BOX CANYON, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A 'CHANDELLE TURN' TO EXIT THE CANYON. AS THE AIRCRAFT COMPLETED THE TURN THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE.THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AND A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED.
Full Narrative
WHILE FLYING 500-600 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT TURNED INTO WHAT HE BELIEVED TO BE AN OPEN ENDED CANYON. AFTER BECOMING AWARE THAT HE HAD INADVERTENTLY TURNED INTO A BOX CANYON, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A 'CHANDELLE TURN' TO EXIT THE CANYON. AS THE AIRCRAFT COMPLETED THE TURN THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE.THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AND A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN4771A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRiffle David T
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO