# NTSB SEA91FA183: Cessna 177RG, N1573H, Salmon, ID, July 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1991, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Salmon, ID
- Coordinates: 45.000717, -113.860443 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0007&lon=-113.8604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA183

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE FROM MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY 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 - turn to reverse direction
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED SOUTHBOUND FROM THE SALMON, IDAHO AIRPORT AFTER A REFUELING STOP.  A WITNESS SAW THE AIRCRAFT ENTER A CANYON SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT AT LOW ALTITUDE.  SUBSEQUENTLY, IT COLLIDED WITH THE EAST SIDE OF THE CANYON AFTER TURNING BACK TOWARD A NORTHERLY DIRECTION.  DURING INITIAL IMPACT, THE RIGHT WINGTIP & NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A 30 TO 35 DEG RISING SLOPE.  THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE AIRCRAFT WAS STILL ANGLED TOWARD RISING TERRAIN WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.  THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 5600 FT, ABOUT 11 MI SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT.  LEADING EDGE GOUGES & CHORDWISE SCRATCHES WERE NOTED ON THE PROPELLER BLADES.  THE THROTTLE, MIXTURE & PROPELLER CONTROLS WERE FOUND IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1573H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1573H-1992-05-29), registration cancelled 1992-05-29, S/N 177RG0747 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 177RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177rg) (registry code 2073709) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-a1b6d) (registry code 41593, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 177RG0747
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Marshall J. Grosboll
- Registered owner: Marshall J. Grosboll
- Departed: SMN, SALMON, ID
- Destination: K50, DERBY, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 370 total, 80 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SMN, 12 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 19910722029569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910722029569A), Jul 22, 1991: Cessna 177RG, Salmon, ID, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Low in mountain canyon near gross weight and high density altitude. Struck mountainside 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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