On September 3, 1996, a Cessna 172 (registration N8739B) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The first pilot's failure to maintain sufficient distance/altitude from terrain. A box canyon and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Two airline transport pilots and a passenger on a sheep scouting flight crashed into a steep box canyon. All three egressed through the left door. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
Flight Overview
The flight was planned as an aerial scouting mission in mountainous terrain to locate sheep. On board were two certificated airline transport pilots and one passenger.
Accident Discovery
After departing, the aircraft did not return as expected. It was later located having crashed into the side of a steep box canyon. The crash site was in the mountainous area where the scouting flight was intended to operate.
Occupant Egress
All three occupants were found outside and downslope from the wreckage. They had exited the aircraft through the left door. The investigation was unable to determine the specific manner and circumstances of their egress.
Mechanical Investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction pertaining to the engine or airframe.
What happened in the 3 Sept 1996 Cessna 172 accident near Eagle River, AK?
Two airline transport pilots and a passenger on a sheep scouting flight crashed into a steep box canyon. All three egressed through the left door. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1996 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8739B, at Eagle River, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The first pilot's failure to maintain sufficient distance/altitude from terrain. A box canyon and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident.
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