On May 25, 2003, a Cessna 180H (registration N767) was involved in an aviation accident near Yellow Pine, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering. Trees, a box canyon and rising terrain were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
GPS tracking showed an aircraft entered a box canyon and made a steep left turn with decreasing altitude and increasing airspeed before colliding with tall trees and coming to rest inverted. No mechanical failure was found.
Accident Details
An aircraft on a flight from a mountain airstrip entered and followed a valley that terminated in a box canyon with rising terrain, according to GPS tracking data. The last tracking point indicated the aircraft executed a steep left turn accompanied by a decrease in altitude and an increase in airspeed. On-site documentation revealed that the aircraft subsequently collided with several tall trees before coming to rest in an inverted position.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine did not uncover evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. The investigation focused on the flight path and environmental conditions leading to the collision.