# NTSB SEA85FA067: Cessna 175, N9386B, Bancroft, ID, March 2, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1985, 17:00 local (Mar 2, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Bancroft, ID
- Coordinates: 42.790142, -111.910964 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7901&lon=-111.9110&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40035
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA067
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40035/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA067

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - whiteout (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT IMPACTED LEVEL TERRAIN APRX 500 YARDS EAST OF THE BANCROFT ARPT. N9386B WAS ONE OF A FLT OF TWO ACFT RETURNING TO BANCROFT FROM PRESTON, ID. THE WX HAD DETERIORATED DURING THE FLT WITH SNOW SHOWERS AND BLOWING SNOW. WHILE THE OTHER ACFT WAS LANDING AT BANCROFT. THE PLT OF N9386B ELECTED TO FLY OVER HIS HOUSE BEFORE LANDING. THE PLT'S WIFE HEARD THE ACFT FLY OVER AND BECAME CONCERNED WHEN HE DID NOT RETURN HOME. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN LEFT WING FIRST AND CARTWHEELED. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ALONG WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A BASE LEG FOR RWY 25.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9386B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 175
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 55186
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Steven D. Lowry
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: U10, PRESTON, ID
- Airport: US1, Bancroft, runway 25, 2,500 × 25 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk
- Wind: 330° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 25 °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 19850301006749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850301006749A), Mar 1, 1985: Cessna STC175, Bancroft, ID, Destroyed. Non rated pilot flew into IFR weather. Impacted ground near approach end of runway.

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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