# NTSB SEA90LA199: Cessna 172N, N738AQ, Neilton, WA, September 29, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1990, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Neilton, WA
- Location: 47.4031° N, 123.8782° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Neilton, WA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4031&lon=-123.8782&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41290
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA199
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41290/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA199

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE CREW TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE TERRAIN. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE MOUNTAINOUS AND BOX CANYON TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, other crewmember (cause)

## Analysis

FIRST TRAINING FLIGHT FOR PIC IN SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS. CFI ON BOARD HAD FLOWN SEVERAL MISSIONS. FLIGHT WAS TO PRACTICE CONTOUR TERRAIN FLYING AT APRX 80 KNOTS AND 300-400 FT AGL. WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF A BOX CANYON ABOUT 1500 FT BELOW THE RIDGE LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738AQ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738AQ-1994-12-30), registration cancelled 1994-12-30, S/N 17269828 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269828
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wurscher, David L.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SHN, SHELTON, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900929043999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900929043999A), Sep 29, 1990: Cessna 172N, Neilton, WA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Flew into narrow tree covered box canyon. Struck trees crashed and burned. Dual for state low altitude search.

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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