On December 21, 2006, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9141Y) operated by Flying Vikings was involved in an aviation accident near Big Pine, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate in-flight/planning decision of both pilots to fly up a box canyon at low altitude, and their failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A certified flight instructor and pilot under instruction struck terrain while attempting to reverse course in a box canyon during a cross-country flight. No mechanical failure was found.
Accident Details
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot under instruction (PUI) were conducting a series of cross-country flights to allow the PUI to build flight time. Motorists observed the wreckage near a road located in the flat bottom of a canyon. The canyon floor width varied from an estimated 50 yards at its narrowest point to 200 yards at its widest point. The canyon made several left and right turns as it wound uphill in a general southeasterly direction. The canyon sides appeared to be several hundred feet higher than the accident site elevation, and the rim was approximately 100 feet higher at the head of the canyon.
Impact Analysis
Evaluation of ground scars and impact signatures on the wreckage indicated that the airplane was in a left turn attempting to reverse course out of the box canyon when the left wing tip dug into the ground. Following the wing tip strike, the airplane tumbled and came to rest pointing down the canyon.
Post-Accident Inspection
No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was noted during the post-accident inspection.
What happened in the 21 Dec 2006 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Big Pine, CA?
A certified flight instructor and pilot under instruction struck terrain while attempting to reverse course in a box canyon during a cross-country flight. No mechanical failure was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Dec 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N9141Y, operated by Flying Vikings, at Big Pine, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The inadequate in-flight/planning decision of both pilots to fly up a box canyon at low altitude, and their failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.
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