# NTSB SEA91LA260: Aero Commander S-2R, N5539X, Grangeville, ID, April 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1991, 19:00 local (Apr 15, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Grangeville, ID
- Coordinates: 45.899524, -116.12976 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8995&lon=-116.1298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41555
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA260
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41555/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA260

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE PILOT TO CONTINUE VFR FLIGHT IN IMC WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, RESULTING IN PILOT DISORIENTATION AND INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO A BOX CANYON.  FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE RAIN SHOWERS AND LOW CEILING WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE BOX CANYON IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - rain
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLT ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILINGS AND RAIN SHOWERS ON A VFR FLT THRU REMOTE HIGH ALT MT. TERRAIN. THE PILOT INADVERTANTLY ENTERED A BOX CANYON AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE. THE ACFT IMPACTED TERRAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE CANYON AT 7100 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5539X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5539X-1992-01-23), registration cancelled 1992-01-23, S/N 1739R (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S-2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1739
- Airframe hours: 6490
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Steve W. Kelsey
- Registered owner: Steve W. Kelsey
- Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 1991
- Departed: SMN, SALMON, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 6,800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 28.00 inHg

## 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 19910414019749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910414019749A), Apr 14, 1991: Ayres S2RNORMAL, Grangeville, ID, 1 fatal. Became missing on ferry flight to Grangeville,ID. Last seen near elk city,ID. Below 800 ft overcast in rain showers

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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