Summary
On July 17, 2005, a Cessna 172N (N120ER) was involved in an accident near Bonners Ferry, ID. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor.
On July 17, 2005, about 1425 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N120ER, registered to and operated by Northern Air Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with mountainous terrain located approximately nine nautical miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the certified private pilot received minor injuries. The passenger was seriously injured. The flight departed from Bonners Ferry about two hours prior to the accident.
During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he flew up a canyon and was unable to maintain clearance from the rising terrain.
This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA05LA145. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N120ER.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 17, 2005, about 1425 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N120ER, registered to and operated by Northern Air Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with mountainous terrain located approximately nine nautical miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the certified private pilot received minor injuries. The passenger was seriously injured. The flight departed from Bonners Ferry about two hours prior to the accident.
During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he flew up a canyon and was unable to maintain clearance from the rising terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft at the time of the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA05LA145