# NTSB SEA93FA018: Maule M5, N9008E, Challis, ID, November 7, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1992, 14:10 local (21:10 UTC)
- Place: Challis, ID
- Coordinates: 44.650604, -114.150146 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6506&lon=-114.1501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42923
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93FA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42923/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93FA018

## Probable cause

THE PILOT CONTINUED THE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC WEATHER CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE SNOW AND OBSCURATION WEATHER CONDITIONS, INADEQUATE PREFLT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND, AND THE 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 - snow (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - obscuration (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF ON A VFR FLT THROUGH MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WITH NO PREFLT WEATHER BRIEFING.  THE MOUNTAIN TOPS IN THE DIRECTION OF FLT, VISIBLE FROM THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT, WERE OBSCURED IN CLOUDS.  THE PILOT FOLLOWED A ROAD AT A LOW ALT AGL UP A MOUNTAIN PASS, ENCOUNTERED A SNOW SQUALL AT THE TOP OF THE PASS AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE.  THE ACFT IMPACTED TERRAIN IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE 500 FEET FROM THE ROAD IN THE PASS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9008E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9008E-2014-11-20), registration cancelled 2014-11-20, S/N 7058C, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M5
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-235C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-235c) (registry code 5460135) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7058C
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jones, Robert E.
- Registered owner: Jones, Robert E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 24, 1992
- Destination: SUN, HAILEY, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 396 total, 330 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUN, 45 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 19921107045739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921107045739A), Nov 7, 1992: Maule M5235C, Challis, ID, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Flew into rising terrain while trying to follow highway at low altitude. Pass obscured by clouds, snow and fog.

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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