Flight collision with terrain during canyon maneuver

2 fatalities • Ketchikan, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft collided with rising terrain while the pilot attempted to navigate a steep canyon gradient, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a flight through mountainous terrain, the pilot attempted to navigate a canyon featuring a climb-out gradient that exceeded the performance capabilities of the aircraft. While maneuvering within the canyon, the aircraft struck an upsloping section of ground. The pilot indicated that a downdraft had prompted a turn away from the rising slope immediately before the impact occurred. However, the surviving passengers reported no memory of turbulence or any sensation of sinking prior to the collision. Notably, the pilot did not report encountering any significant turbulence or downdrafts at any point during the flight other than at the specific location of the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the operation of the aircraft. The primary cause was determined to be an in-flight planning and decision error by the pilot in command, specifically regarding the selection of a flight path that required a climb rate the aircraft could not maintain. Other findings included:

  • The terrain conditions were characterized as mountainous or hilly.
  • The aircraft's performance and climb capability were insufficient for the required gradient.
  • There was inadequate clearance maintained by the pilot in command.
  • The necessary climb rate to clear the obstacle was not achievable under the circumstances.

The accident resulted in two fatalities.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a maneuver involving a climb gradient that exceeded the aircraft's performance capabilities, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-07-26 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Ketchikan, United States of America?

An aircraft collided with rising terrain while the pilot attempted to navigate a steep canyon gradient, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1984-07-26 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-07-26 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration N4787C, operated by Promech Air, at Ketchikan, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a maneuver involving a climb gradient that exceeded the aircraft's performance capabilities, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

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