# NTSB SEA84MA016: de Havilland DHC-2, N9006, Challis, ID, November 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Major investigation · Final report
- Date: November 5, 1983, 12:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Challis, ID
- Coordinates: 44.650856, -114.14904 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6509&lon=-114.1490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40018
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84MA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40018/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84MA016

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF FROM THE SIMPLOT RANCH AIRSTRIP WHICH WAS LOCATED BESIDE THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON RIVER, APRX 27 MI NORTHWEST OF CHALLIS, ID. HE DEPARTED DOWNRIVER TOWARD THE NORTHEAST, BUT THE DESTINATION WAS A USFS STRIP ABOUT 7 MI UPRIVER TO THE SOUTHWEST. A COURSE REVERSAL NORMALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE ABOUT 6 MI DOWNRIVER. HOWEVER, A TURN- AROUND WAS ATTEMPTED OVER A RELATIVELY SHALLOW (BENCH) AREA ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER, ABOUT 1-1/4 MI FROM THE DEPARTURE STRIP; WHERE, ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR, IT COULD HAVE BEEN MADE UNDER IDEAL CONDITIONS. THE ACFT CRASHED IN THE BENCH AREA WHILE ON A WESTERLY HEADING. IT CAME TO REST IN AN UPRIGHT ATTITUDE WITH LITTLE EVIDENCE OF FORWARD VELOCITY, BUT WITH SEVERE VERTICAL COLLAPSE. NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS FOUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9006 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: de Havilland DHC-2
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 271
- Airframe hours: 7590
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Air Unlimited
- Registered owner: James F. Searles
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 1, 1983, 42 hours before
- Destination: MAHONEY CREEK, ID
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,150 total, 200 in this make and model, 1,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °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 19831105056529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831105056529A), Nov 5, 1983: Dhav DHC2*, Challis, ID, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from mountain airstrip. No eyewitnesses.

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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