NTSB Identification: SEA91FA156
For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 43934A
Accident occurred JUL-05-91 at BURNS, OR
Aircraft: CHAMPION 7AC, registration: N3006E
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
THE STUDENT PLT WAS THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THE ACFT. HE AND THE PASSENGER WERE ON APLEASURE FLT IN AN AREA OF MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE ACFT WAS SEEN TO TURN INTO A VALLEYWHERE IT SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AT AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 5500 FT. DURINGIMPACT, THE WINGS WERE BENT DOWN AND FORWARD; THERE WAS A 45 DEG CRUSH LINE ON THE LEADINGEDGES OF THE WINGS. NO GROUND SCARS WERE FOUND TO INDICATE MOVEMENT AFTER GROUND IMPACT.THE ACFT’S LAST ANNUAL INSPN WAS DATED 7/22/87; HOWEVER, THE STUDENT PLT CONTINUED TOOPERATE THE ACFT; HE PERFORMED OIL CHANGES HIMSELF. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE ORMALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE WAS FOUND. THE STUDENT’S LAST MEDICAL EXAM WAS DATED 11/25/87. ATOXICOLOGY EXAM OF THE STUDENT PLT’S BLOOD SHOWED A SATURATION OF 20% CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN. AFLT SURGEON REPORTED THAT THIS PERCENTAGE COULD CAUSE A HEADACHE, A STATE OF CONFUSION,DIZZINESS AND VISUAL DISTURBANCE. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT DETERMINE IF THE ACFT HEATERSYSTEM COULD HAVE BEEN THE SOURCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE.
Probable Cause
IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE STUDENT PILOT (PILOT-IN-COMMAND), AND HISFAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THEACCIDENT WERE: PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT OF THE STUDENT PILOT/OWNER/OPERATOR FROM CARBONMONOXIDE, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
