What happened
On August 28, 2021, a Cessna TU206F, registration N922MA, was involved in an accident near Bernard, Idaho, resulting in 2 fatal injuries and 1 serious injury. The aircraft was operating as a nonscheduled charter flight for a scenic tour intended to scout fishing locations.
Data from an onboard GPS device showed the flight departed McCall, Idaho, and navigated through mountainous terrain, including the Frank Church Wilderness. While flying through a drainage, the pilot attempted to find a path to return to the departure airport. As the aircraft approached the top of the drainage near a ridgeline, the pilot determined the rate of climb was insufficient to clear the upcoming peak and initiated a 180-degree turn.
During this turn, the pilot reported encountering a downdraft. The pilot stated that despite applying full power and full propeller RPM, the aircraft could not maintain altitude. The pilot also recalled extending the wing flaps, though the exact timing was uncertain. The aircraft subsequently descended into trees, with the stall warning horn triggering intermittently during the descent.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage found no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Investigators confirmed that flight control continuity was intact from the cockpit to the control surfaces. While the elevator trim tab had separated from the horizontal stabilizer, the actuator was measured outside its normal operating range. The flap actuator position indicated the flaps were in a near full-down position, which was consistent with the cockpit indicators.
Engine examination showed no signs of catastrophic failure; the crankshaft could be rotated by hand, and the magnetos produced sparks at all six plug leads.
Performance calculations performed during the investigation indicated that, based on the aircraft's weight and the atmospheric conditions, the airplane would have required approximately two additional minutes to reach and clear the top of the canyon. The investigation also noted that the pilot had approximately 28 hours of experience in this specific aircraft type and that this was his first scenic flight with passengers.
Findings
- The pilot decided to continue into a canyon that exceeded the climb performance of the aircraft.
- The aircraft's climb capability was insufficient to clear the terrain during the attempted course reversal.
- The aircraft impacted trees and terrain during the maneuver.