# NTSB SEA86LA230: Aero Commander 100, N4156X, Priest River, ID, August 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1986, 14:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Priest River, ID
- Coordinates: 48.259494, -116.239036 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.2595&lon=-116.2390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA230

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not received, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
- Other gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND WHILE A THUNDERSTORM WAS WITHIN TWO MILES OF THE AIRPORT. STRONG TURBULENCE WAS PRESENT DURING THE APPROACH BUT THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE THE APPROACH. A STRONG DOWNDRAFT OCCURRED WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 50 FEET AGL. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND HARD, SHORT OF THE RUNWAY, BREAKING OFF THE NOSE GEAR AND RIGHT MAIN GEAR. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SLID A SHORT DISTANCE COMING TO REST TO THE RIGHT OF RUNWAY 19.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4156X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4156X), registered now, S/N 339 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 100
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 100](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-100) (registry code 0140202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 339
- Airframe hours: 1114
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bruce Shaw Chandler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 3, 1986, 19 hours before
- Departed: S86, SAND POINT, ID
- Destination: 1S6, PRIEST RIVER, ID
- Airport: 1S6, Priest River, runway 19, 2,950 × 48 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 477 total, 165 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 75 °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 19860831043419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860831043419A), Aug 31, 1986: Slinds 100ACMDR, Priest River, ID, Substantial damage. The aircraft undershot the runway on a downwind landing. Thunderstorm north of field producing gusty winds.

## Other investigations on N4156X (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW73DPM06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW73DPM06), Feb 10, 1973: Aero Comdr 100 (N4156X), Durant, OK, substantial damage

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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