MURPHY SPRINGS, ID, USA
N51AR
PIPER PA-22-150
AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PERSONAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT OVERFLEW THE DESTINATION AIRSTRIP WHILE CHECKING THE RUNWAY FOR THE PRESENCE OF CATTLE AND OTHER CONDITIONS. HE THEN FLEW OVER 3 MILES AWAY, WHEREUPON HE DESCENDED INTO A CANYON AREA NEAR WHERE A HOT SPRINGS WAS LOCATED. THE PILOT OBSERVED THE CANYON WALLS CLOSE TO HIS AIRPLANE, AND HE APPLIED FULL ENGINE POWER TO CLIMB OUT OF THE AREA. THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO OUT CLIMB THE RISING TERRAIN. HE REPORTED TURBULENCE IN THE AREA.
On July 24, 1994, at 1650 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-22- 150, N51AR, collided with trees near the Jarbidge River, on the Nevada side of the Nevada/Idaho border. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from Jackpot, Nevada, on July 24, 1994, at 1600. According to a verbal report the pilot made to the Elko County Sheriff, after the pilot departed the casino in Jackpot, he flew over the Murphy Hot Springs (uncontrolled) Airstrip at a low altitude to inform residents of his arrival. After the overflight, the pilot was unable to gain altitude. While maneuvering in the area, the airplane encountered thermals and collided with trees. In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1, he indicated that he flew over the destination grass airstrip to check for cattle and runway condition. He did not land. The pilot then flew more than 3 miles away to where Murphy Hot Springs was located at the bottom of a canyon. The pilot further indicated that while near Murphy's, he realized the airplane would not clear the canyon walls even after full engine power was applied. The local wind was calm, but clear air turbulence was experienced.
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION TO MANEUVER IN A CANYON AT SUCH LOW ALTITUDE THAT HE COULD NOT OUT CLIMB THE ADJACENT RISING TERRAIN.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
