# NTSB SEA85FA181: Piper PA-22, N4445A, Ketchum, ID, July 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1985, 08:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Ketchum, ID
- Coordinates: 43.769737, -114.619285 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7697&lon=-114.6193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40055
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40055/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA181

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - exhaust system,end plate - separation (contributing factor)
  - airspeed(vmo) - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - aircraft handling - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - elevator trim - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper descent rate - not possible (cause)
  - object (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

STUDENT PILOT ON CROSS COUNTRY FLT, ROUTE THRU MOUNTAIN PASS AND MOUNTAINS. ATTEMPTED EMERGENCY LANDING ON HIGHWAY. DURING APPROACH AND WHILE TURNING TOWARD SELECTED LANDING SITE, PLT INADVERTANTLY SET FULL NOSE DOWN TRIM WITH HALF FLAPS. AS ACFT COMPLETED TURN AROUND STAND OF TREES HIDDEN HWY SIGN WAS CONTACTED BY ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4445A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4445A-2015-05-11), registration cancelled 2015-05-11, S/N 22-3777, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3777
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sonny Cavender
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 3U2, JOHNSON CREEK, ID
- Destination: OGD, ODGEN, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 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 19850729034579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850729034579A), Jul 29, 1985: Piper PA22150, Ketchum, ID, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck signpost on summit road and burned. No witnesses. Heavy rain while burning. Student pilot with a passenger.

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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