On February 15, 1987, a Champion 7ECA (registration N1883G) was involved in an aviation accident near Hay Stack Mt., AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude near Haystack Mountain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot maneuvering at 2,200 feet near Haystack Mountain struck trees while executing a steep banked turn into the terrain. No mechanical issues were found during the on-scene investigation.
What happened
The pilot-in-command was operating an aircraft in the vicinity of Haystack Mountain at an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet. According to the pilot's statement, he was performing maneuvers when he turned the airplane into the mountain side. The turn was executed with a steep angle of bank. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with trees located on the slope.
The investigation
An on-scene inspection was conducted immediately following the incident. Investigators examined the aircraft for any signs of pre-impact mechanical failure or irregularities. The examination revealed no mechanical irregularities that would have contributed to the accident. The condition of the engine and other systems appeared normal prior to the collision.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness during low-altitude maneuvering. By turning into the terrain with a steep bank, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient clearance from the mountain slope and vegetation. The lack of reported flight time makes it difficult to assess fatigue or experience levels, but the immediate cause was the controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) during a tight turn.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude near Haystack Mountain.