# NTSB SEA92FA002: Cessna 172G, N1372F, Miltonfreewater, OR, October 6, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1991, 17:20 local (Oct 6, 1991, 00:20 UTC)
- Place: Miltonfreewater, OR
- Coordinates: 45.900768, -118.339378 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.9008&lon=-118.3394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 7, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41558
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92FA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41558/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA002

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING.  FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED, LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED FLYING JUST ABOVE THE TREE LINE IN A VALLEY APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET BELOW THE RIDGE LINE.  THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL THROUGH THIS VALLEY WHICH LED INTO A BOX CANYON.  THE AIRPLANE THEN MADE AN APPROXIMATE 45 DEGREE BANKING RIGHT TURN, AND ALMOST COMPLETED THE 180 DEGREE TURN WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH THE TREES AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE TERRAIN.  THE WINESSES REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY THE ENTIRE TIME AND THAT THE AIRPLANE APPEARED TO BE UNDER CONTROL UNTIL THE TURNING MANEUVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1372F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1372F-2012-06-14), registration cancelled 2012-06-14, S/N 17254867, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172G
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17254867
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles W. Wolfkiel
- Registered owner: Charles W. Wolfkiel
- Departed: ALW, WALLA WALLA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 140 total, 53 in this make and model, 65 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 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 19911005045039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911005045039A), Oct 5, 1991: Cessna 172G, Milton Freewate, OR, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Unable to climb out of box canyon. Crashed in trees trying to turn around. Observed at tree top level prior impact.

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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