On August 2, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N9554H) operated by Hodges, James A. was involved in an aviation accident near Yellow Pine, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude during a tight base turn, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the airstrip and colliding with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a tight base turn to final approach due to terrain constraints, the airplane lost altitude and airspeed before landing short of the airstrip and colliding with a fence.
What happened
The pilot reported that terrain constraints required the flight pattern to be flown close to the airstrip. To align with the runway centerline, the pilot executed a tight base turn to final approach and had to make continuous corrections during this maneuver. As the airplane turned, it experienced a loss of both altitude and airspeed.
Before the pilot could fully compensate for the lost energy state, the airplane landed short of the airstrip. The aircraft then collided with a fence located near the runway threshold.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the pilot's actions during the final approach phase. The primary finding was that the tight turn resulted in significant energy loss before landing could be completed safely within the designated area.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude during a tight base turn, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the airstrip and colliding with a fence.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Aug 1993 Cessna 172M accident near Yellow Pine, ID?
During a tight base turn to final approach due to terrain constraints, the airplane lost altitude and airspeed before landing short of the airstrip and colliding with a fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9554H, operated by Hodges, James A., at Yellow Pine, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude during a tight base turn, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the airstrip and colliding with a fence.
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