# NTSB SEA87FA152: Cessna 172, N8696B, Pahrump, NV, August 2, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1987, 08:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Pahrump, NV
- Location: 36.2083° N, 115.9839° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pahrump, NV, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2083&lon=-115.9839&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40529
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87FA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40529/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA152

## Analysis

THE PILOT ENTERED A BOX CANYON AND ATTEMPTED TO EITHER OUTCLIMB THE TERRAIN OR REVERSE COURSE. THE AIRCRAFT'S AIRSPEED WAS ALLOWED TO DECREASE BELOW VS AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED. A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 9500 FEET EXISTED AT THE TIME. INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE PILOT TO EXECUTE A RECOVERY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8696B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8696B-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 36396, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36396
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James W. Fleming
- Registered owner: James W Fleming
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: VGT, NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 350 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAS, 25 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 19870802040749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870802040749A), Aug 2, 1987: Cessna STC172, Pahrump, NV, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Autopsy indicates pilot suffered a heart seizure en route. Lost control and crashed. Near vertical impact and burned

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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