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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Sept 1999 Cessna 210B accident near Dixie, ID?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Sept 1999 involved a Cessna 210B, registration N9740X, operated by David E. Sheldon, at Dixie, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Inadequate airspeed and clearance was not maintained. Mountainous conditions, trees, and an inadequately planned approach were factors.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…