Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tree During Box Canyon Maneuver (N4771A)

San Jose, CA, US

On October 31, 1987, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N4771A) operated by Riffle, David T. was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a local pleasure flight at 500-600 feet, a pilot turned into a box canyon and attempted a chandelle turn. The right wing struck a tree, leading to ground impact and a small fire.

Incident Overview

During a local pleasure flight, while flying at an altitude of 500-600 feet above the terrain, the pilot turned the aircraft into what he believed to be an open-ended canyon. Upon realizing that he had inadvertently entered a box canyon, the pilot attempted a chandelle turn to exit the confined space.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft completed the chandelle turn, the right wing collided with a tree. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the ground, and a small fire erupted.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time, occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source. The source did not specify any causal factors or contributing elements beyond the sequence described.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.