On April 16, 1991, a Cessna 172H (registration CFBET) operated by Charles S. Parnell was involved in an aviation accident near Coeur D'alene, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while navigating a narrowing canyon with rapidly rising ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 172 floatplane struck trees on a saddle after entering a narrowing canyon where terrain rose faster than the aircraft could climb, resulting in a fatal accident.
What happened
The pilot departed from Coeur d'Alene Lake, initially heading in a northeasterly direction. As the flight progressed, the aircraft entered a valley that gradually transitioned into a canyon environment. The topography presented a significant challenge as the terrain elevation rose at a rate faster than the floatplane's climb performance could accommodate.
Realizing the canyon was too narrow to execute a safe turnaround maneuver, the pilot elected to continue climbing in an attempt to clear the rising ground. Despite this effort, the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude relative to the surrounding peaks. The flight ended when the floatplane struck trees located on top of a saddle within the canyon.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while navigating a narrowing canyon with rapidly rising ground.
What happened in the 16 Apr 1991 Cessna 172H accident near Coeur D'alene, ID?
A Cessna 172 floatplane struck trees on a saddle after entering a narrowing canyon where terrain rose faster than the aircraft could climb, resulting in a fatal accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna 172H, registration CFBET, operated by Charles S. Parnell, at Coeur D'alene, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while navigating a narrowing canyon with rapidly rising ground.
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