SEA99LA153

The pilot reported that while on final approach to a private mountain airstrip, the canyon that he was following was narrow, required steep turns to maintain terrain clearance, and that the elevation varied. About one-quarter to one-half mile south of the airstrip, the pilot's visual picture of the approach no longer appeared correct to him in that he felt that he was too low and close to the creek. The pilot retracted the landing gear and applied full power, however, the terrain necessitated a series of steep, approximate 60 degree bank angle turns to maintain terrain clearance, and the rate of climb while performing these turns was near zero feet/min. The pilot stated that because the nose was high and the speed slow; the stall warning horn was sounding. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and leveled the wings just prior to collision with the trees.

On September 4, 1999, approximately 1145 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 210B, N9740X, registered to Prairie Falcon Aviation Corp., and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees while on final approach to a private mountain airstrip near Dixie, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight had departed from another private airstrip near Dixie, about 15 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that this was his first time into this airstrip. He first overflew the airstrip to determine the wind direction, then proceeded to the south down the canyon, following the river. The pilot then made a 180 degree turn for the approach to the north. At this time, 40 degrees of flaps and the landing gear were extended. The pilot reported that the canyon is narrow, requires steep turns to maintain terrain clearance, and that the terrain elevation varies. The pilot stated that about one-quarter to one-half mile south of the airstrip, "the visual picture no longer appeared correct in that I was too low and close to the creek." The pilot retracted the landing gear and applied full power to climb to a more suitable altitude. Because the terrain necessitated a series of steep, approximate 60 degree bank angle turns to maintain terrain clearance, the rate of climb while performing these turns was near zero feet/min. The pilot stated that "because the nose was high and the speed slow; the stall warning horn was alarming." The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and leveled the wings just prior to the collision with the trees.

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane at the time of the accident.

The airport facilities directory recommends landing to the north and taking off to the south. The Idaho Airports Directory cautions: Before using this airport, special consideration should be given to density altitude, turbulence, and mountain flying proficiency.