On November 10, 1993, a Cessna 175 (registration N7112M) operated by John T. Blatchford was involved in an aviation accident near Hot Springs, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO ENSURE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT AND RISING TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A local instrument proficiency flight with a safety pilot and vision-restricting devices collided with hilly terrain three miles west of Hot Springs Airport after completing seven approaches at Rapid City.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted as a local instrument proficiency flight. The pilot-in-command was wearing vision restricting devices to simulate instrument conditions. A safety pilot was seated in the right front seat. The pilot had just completed seven instrument approaches at Rapid City and was returning to Hot Springs.
Sequence of Events
A pilot preparing for takeoff from Hot Springs Airport reported hearing the accident pilot transmit a downwind call for Runway 1. That pilot did not see the airplane. The aircraft subsequently collided with hilly, upward sloping terrain approximately three miles west of the airport.
Findings
Post-accident examination found no aircraft or engine malfunctions. Investigators did not identify any mechanical issues with the aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Nov 1993 Cessna 175 accident near Hot Springs, SD?
A local instrument proficiency flight with a safety pilot and vision-restricting devices collided with hilly terrain three miles west of Hot Springs Airport after completing seven approaches at Rapid City.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Nov 1993 involved a Cessna 175, registration N7112M, operated by John T. Blatchford, at Hot Springs, SD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO ENSURE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT AND RISING TERRAIN.
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