On September 4, 1999, a Cessna 210B (registration N9740X) operated by David E. Sheldon was involved in an aviation accident near Dixie, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate airspeed and clearance was not maintained. Mountainous conditions, trees, and an inadequately planned approach were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during final approach to a private mountain airstrip, a narrow canyon with varying elevation required steep turns. After retracting gear and applying full power, the pilot experienced a stall warning and collided with trees.
Circumstances
The pilot reported that while on final approach to a private mountain airstrip, the canyon that he was following was narrow. It required steep turns to maintain terrain clearance, and the elevation varied.
Pilot Actions
About one-quarter to one-half mile south of the airstrip, the pilot's visual picture of the approach no longer appeared correct to him. He felt that he was too low and close to the creek. The pilot retracted the landing gear and applied full power. However, the terrain necessitated a series of steep, approximate 60 degree bank angle turns to maintain terrain clearance. The rate of climb while performing these turns was near zero feet per minute. The pilot stated that because the nose was high and the speed slow, the stall warning horn was sounding.
Outcome
The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and leveled the wings just prior to collision with trees.