# NTSB SEA84LA010: Cessna 172, N738RD, Mccall, ID, October 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1983, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Mccall, ID
- Coordinates: 45.069679, -115.970199 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0697&lon=-115.9702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39846
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39846/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA010

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE, THE PLT ENTERED A DRAINAGE AREA IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WITH THE INTENT OF CROSSING A RIDGE AT THE LOWEST POINT. AS HE CONTINUED IN A CANYON, HE HAD A 500 FT/MIN CLIMB RATE & HE BELIEVED HE COULD EASILY CLEAR THE RIDGE.HOWEVER, AS HE CONTINUED, THE CLIMB RATE DECREASED & HE GOT IN A POSITION WHERE THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ROOM TO TURN AROUND. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT STRUCK THE TOP OF A TREE & CRASHED NEAR THE RIDGE AT AN ELEVATION OF APRX 7900 FT. THE PLT BELIEVED HE HAD ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFTS. THE ACFT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE NEAR ITS MAX GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT. ITS NORMAL CLIMB RATE AT THAT WEIGHT & ALT COMPUTED TO BE APRX 330 FT/MIN. HOWEVER, THE CLIMB RATE WAS NEAR ZERO JUST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738RD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738RD-2013-05-07), registration cancelled 2013-05-07, S/N 17270171, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270171
- Airframe hours: 2300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H1AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Pioneer Aviation
- Registered owner: K/B Century Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1983, 50 hours before
- Departed: U79, CHAMBERLAIN, ID
- Destination: MYL, MCCALL, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 332 total, 57 in this make and model, 252 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 30 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19831015054629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831015054629A), Oct 15, 1983: Cessna 172N, Mccall, ID, Substantial damage. Flew into a box canyon. Unable to climb to clear a ridge. Struck trees and crashed.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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