# NTSB SEA91LA242: Aeronca 7DC, N9654H, Yellow Pine, ID, September 17, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1991, 14:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Yellow Pine, ID
- Location: 44.9607° N, 115.4854° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Yellow Pine, ID, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9607&lon=-115.4854&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41540
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41540/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA242

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO A BOX CANYON AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TREES, WHEN THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT SPACE TO REVERSE COURSE AND THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT OUTCLIMB RISING TERRAIN.  THE TERRAIN CONDITIONS AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WERE RELATED FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - altitude - not possible

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A REMOTE STRIP IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, HE INADVERTANTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON.  RISING TERRAIN IN THE CANYON EXCEEDED THE CLIMB CAPABILITY OF THE AIRCRAFT.  SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO TREES AND WAS DESTROYED.  THE DENSITY ALTITUDE AT THE SITE WAS ABOUT 7600 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9654H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9654H-2010-09-27), registration cancelled 2010-09-27, S/N 7BCM-146, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7DC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7DC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7dc) (registry code 2110116) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7BCM-146
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-8F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven G. Joachim
- Registered owner: Steven G. Joachim
- Departed: YELLOW PINE, ID
- Airport: Indian Creek, runway 4, 5,000 × 100 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 710 total, 179 in this make and model, 631 as pilot in command, 89 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Observed at: NONE, 5 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 19910917040489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910917040489A), Sep 17, 1991: Bbavia 7DC, Yellow Pine, ID, Destroyed. Departed forestry mountain strip. Flight of 3 lost sight others flew up box canyon. Unable climb or turn. Hit tree

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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