History of Flight
On July 7, 2014, at 0734 mountain daylight time, an American Champion 7CGBC (registration N162CG) and a Cessna R172K (registration N7390K) collided over the Landmark US Forest Service (USFS) airstrip near Landmark, Idaho. Both airplanes were operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plans had been filed. The American Champion had departed McCall Municipal Airport at 0715, and the Cessna departed Flying A Ranch at about 0715. Both were destined for Sulfur Creek Ranch Airport.
The pilot of the American Champion, who sustained minor injuries, stated that she and the Cessna pilot planned to meet at Sulfur Creek. After departure, she maintained visual contact with the Cessna and both communicated via radio. The Cessna pilot reported a ground speed of 129 knots, while the Champion pilot reported an airspeed of 101 knots. The Champion pilot reported her position as 10 miles west of Sulfur Creek at 7,800 feet; the Cessna pilot reported being 5 miles west at 6,800 feet. The Champion pilot lost visual contact and the Cessna pilot stated he had passed her. About 10 miles west of Sulfur Creek, the Champion pilot saw the Cessna appear under her left wing, overtaking from behind and climbing. She had no time to react before the Cessna struck her propeller, then descended. After engine stoppage, she tested flight controls, broadcast a MAYDAY, and performed a forced landing into an open area.
Radar and ADS-B data from Exelis OpsVue showed two targets trailing each other with decreasing separation before disappearing from radar due to mountainous terrain. GPS data from a portable unit onboard the Champion indicated a sudden ground speed change and descending left turn at 07:34:28, consistent with the collision.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The pilot of the Cessna, age 45, held a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating and a third-class medical certificate. His logbook was not recovered. On his medical application, he reported 990 total flight hours. The Cessna R172K, serial number R1722070, was a 1976 four-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane powered by a Continental Motors IO-360-KB6B 210-hp engine with a constant speed propeller. The most recent annual inspection was completed on July 20, 2013, with 7,306.3 airframe hours and 130 hours since engine overhaul.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The Cessna impacted terrain inverted on a 310-degree bearing. The entire airplane except the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator was at the accident site. The separated right stabilizer was found 100 feet west. Baggage contents were scattered northwest up to 500 feet. The engine compartment, cockpit, right wing, and inboard left wing were consumed by postimpact fire. The baggage compartment, rear fuselage, and empennage sustained substantial ground impact damage.
Examination revealed a cut mark on the aft fuselage consistent with a propeller blade slice. Yellow paint transfer marks were found on the dorsal fin and vertical stabilizer. The vertical stabilizer with rudder, left horizontal stabilizer, and elevator were separated from the fuselage. Flight control cables showed various separations and damage. The flaps were retracted. The engine remained partially attached with buckled mounts. The propeller remained attached; one blade was bent with tip separation, the other curled.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed on July 8, 2014, by the Valley County Coroner determined the cause of death for the Cessna pilot as blunt force trauma. Toxicological tests for drugs and alcohol were negative. Carbon monoxide and cyanide tests were not performed.