Accident Overview
On August 20, 2012, at approximately 1115 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, registered as N735KV, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees and terrain during a climb in rising mountainous terrain near McCall, Idaho. The flight instructor and his commercial pilot-rated student both received minor injuries.
Flight Details
The owner/pilot was operating the aircraft under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional cross-country flight, which had originated from Mackay Bar Airport in Dixie, Idaho, about 15 minutes before the accident. The flight instructor stated that the intended destination was McCall; no flight plan had been filed.
Flight Path and Terrain
According to the flight instructor, after departing Mackay Bar Airport (elevation 2,172 feet), the aircraft flew down the Salmon River while gaining speed and altitude. At Warren Creek, they turned south while continuing to climb. When they encountered a Y-shaped canyon, the instructor directed the student receiving instruction to take the right branch. Shortly thereafter, the increase in terrain elevation exceeded the airplane's climb performance, and the airplane impacted trees and struck the ground. The elevation of the accident site was approximately 6,593 feet.
Weather and Density Altitude
The nearest weather reporting station reported a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a barometric pressure of 30.15 inches of mercury, which calculated to a density altitude of 8,524 feet.
Engine Examination
The engine was shipped to Continental Motors, Inc., and on March 27, 2013, it was examined in the presence of a National Transportation Safety Board investigator. No evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies was found with the engine that would have prevented normal operation.