# NTSB SEA86LA196: Cessna 210, N7459E, Stibnite, ID, August 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1986, 12:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Stibnite, ID
- Coordinates: 45.019371, -115.520439 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0194&lon=-115.5204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40465
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40465/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA196

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXECUTED A STEEP, REDUCED POWER DESCENT INTO THE DESTINATION AIRSTRIP. HE THEN REPORTED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REDUCE THE RATE OF DESCENT WITH A POWER APPLICATION, THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WITH THE POWERPLANT AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE PILOT HAD APPLIED POWER NOR CLEARED THE ENGINE DURING THE DESCENT. THE LONG, POWER OFF DESCENT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE COLD SOAKED THE ENGINE RESULTING IN POOR ENGINE RESPONSE DURING THE RETURN OF POWER. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO INSURE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE APPROACH AND/OR RAISE THE GEAR AFTER THE POWER LOSS RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT LANDING SHORT OF THE INTENDED RUNWAY. HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRSTRIP AND ITS ASSOCIATED MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AS WELL AS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTED TO THE AIRCRAFT LANDING SHORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7459E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7459E-2014-11-17), registration cancelled 2014-11-17, S/N 57159, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210
- Registry model: [Cessna 210](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210) (registry code 2073402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 57159
- Airframe hours: 3085
- Engines: CONTINENTAL I0-470-E 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard A. Fenster
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 1U1, MOOSE CREEK, ID
- Destination: S81, INDIAN CREEK, ID
- Airport: S81, Indian Creek Usfs, runway 4, 5,000 × 100 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 615 total, 172 in this make and model, 558 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Observed at: MYL, 43 nm away

## 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 19860807038339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860807038339A), Aug 7, 1986: Cessna 210, Stibnite, ID, Destroyed. Struck trees during final approach after power loss. Fuel filter partially clogged. Engine not cleared on descent.

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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