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.