WVFC crash: article from WVFC newsletter
Brent Chapman
Alto Airport) Archer in the Sierra Nevada kicked off a LOT of
discussion here (some of it still ongoing) about mountain flying in
general and optimal techniques for escaping box canyons in particular.
A number of active rec.aviation readers (including myself) are also
active WVFC members.
The following article appeared in the September 1991 "West Valley
Flyer" (the monthly WVFC newsletter), which I received yesterday. I
quote it here in its entirety, without permission (but it wasn't
copyrighted), so that some of the speculations and rumors that have
been floating around may be laid to rest.
The newsletter didn't mention who wrote the article, but questions may
be directed to Ann Elsbach, the club manager, at 415/856-2030.
On an eerie personal note, I flew the same Archer that crashed (N82716,
a 1982 PA28-181) on a similar mountain checkout (myself and another
"student", both with PP-SEL ratings, and a CFI) almost exactly 1 year
prior to the accident (on 29 July 1990).
Although I hadn't flown '716 since then (that flight, in fact, is the
only non-C-172/C-182 flight in my logbook), it was in excellent
condition when I flew it, and I don't doubt the contention of the
article below that '716 was in similarly excellent mechanical condition
on the day of the crash.
-Brent
--
Brent Chapman Telebit Corporation
Sun Network Specialist 1315 Chesapeake Terrace
br...@telebit.com Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone: 408/745-3264
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"Tragic Accident"
On Sunday, 28 July, 1991, there was a tragic, three fatality accident
involving N82716, a West Valley Archer. The accident occurred near
Sonoma Pass at 9,000 ft. in the Sierras.
The aircraft was part of a planned mountain training session and was
one of three WVFC planes participating in the program that day. There
was an hour and a half briefing session before the flight and the
flight planning was done as a group.
Two of the aircraft followed the planned route but N82716, with CFI
Steve Silver and two rated "students", Kathy Raphael and Brian Dahl on
board, varied from that route. We think they chose to vary the route
to look at an area that two of the pilots had visited on the ground.
We may never know how they found themselves in a box canyon. We do
know that they were above the ridges as the started up the canyon, but
whether they hit downdrafts or some other problem we do not know.
There were witnesses that said that the engine seemed to be running
fine, and there did not seem to be any mechanical problems as perceived
from the ground. Until the NTSB completes their investigation, we will
not know for sure.
There have been many rumors circulating around the field regarding the
accident. As is often the case with rumors, they bear little
resemblance to the truth. Some of the rumors that have come to my
attention involve our insurance coverage, suits, and mechanical
difficulties. The truth is that there are no problems with our
insurance coverage, no suits apparently in sight and so far as anyone
can tell, there were no mechanical problems. As you all know, we are
meticulous with our aircraft maintenance--we are well above the
industry standard. Also, N82716 had a low time engine, no open squawks
and was apparently in excellent condition.
We are grieving over the loss of our three members. There are
memorials both planned and in action. If you would like to
participate, please call the front desk for further information.
Although there is not much else known at this point, if you have any
questions about the accident, please refer them to Ann.
What can we learn from this accident? We have reviewed our mountain
seminar program and have found it to be excellent. We all know that
flying in the mountains is potentially dangerous and that is why we
have a mountain check out (or previous experience) requirement. We
emphasize that no one should fly in canyons, i.e. below surrounding
terrain. Cross-country flying which includes mountainous areas must be
planned with special care to avoid any route which does not offer an
out. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is, approach all
flying, especially mountain flying, with a great deal of respect and a
lot of careful planning. If you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of
a planned flight, ask for help from an experienced CFI.
Tom R. Myers
Steve was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet in your life.
He was always upbeat, and invariably had a good word for you. I have
flown with him, and thought he was a very good pilot, and that he
used his head.
TRM N1005E