Aviat A-1 N104CA

Summary

On 12 June 2003 at about 19:09 local time, a Aviat A-1 registered N104CA was involved in an accident near Atlanta, Idaho, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 June 2003 at 19:09

Classification

Accident

Location

Atlanta, Idaho, United States

Nearest airport

Atlanta (55H)

Coordinates

43.8003, -115.1333

Aircraft

Aviat A-1

Registration

N104CA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fairfield → Atlanta

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA03FA100

2 people died.

Clearance from trees was not maintained during the initial climb. A proper touchdown point was not attained, the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area and trees were factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness reported that the aircraft circled the area before approaching runway 34. The witness stated that the aircraft was coming in too fast and too high when it pulled up. The aircraft circled around and started the approach again. The aircraft touched down about mid-field on the 2,650 foot gravel airstrip when the witness heard a backfire and the aircraft was observed to veer to the right of the runway. The aircraft lifted off subsequently colliding with an approximate 80 foot tall pine tree located about 400 feet from the end of the runway with its right wing. The aircraft then descended to the ground coming to rest upright about 76 feet from the tree. Airport facilities directories and guide books describing the cautions for operating into this airstrip were found in the wreckage. The advisories recommend to land runway 34 and depart runway 16. Other cautions state to "use at own risk" and "Can be hazardous. Not recommended except experienced pilots with local knowledge." Mountainous terrain surrounded the airstrip and tall trees were located in close proximity to the airstrip. This was the first time the pilot had been into this airstrip. Post-crash inspection of the aircraft and engine did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.