Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB WPR09FA379
PIPER PA-22-150 — Saint Charles, ID
| Date | August 7, 2009 |
| Location | Saint Charles, ID |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-22-150 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 57 |
| Pilot total time | 503 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Effect on operation
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-(general)-Pilot - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-High density altitude-Effect on equipment
What happened
The private pilot was on a visual flight rules personal cross-country flight during day visual meteorological conditions near mountainous terrain. Witnesses along the route of flight reported observing the airplane overfly their position at a low altitude on a course towards the accident site. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. The accident site was in an open area surrounded by rising terrain in three of the four quadrants. Examination of the wreckage revealed that impact damage signatures on the wings were consistent with right wing low impact with terrain. The fuselage, wings, and most of the empennage were consumed by a post-impact fire. No evidence of any pre impact mechanical anomalies was discovered with the engine or airframe. Using reported weather conditions near the accident site and the accident site elevation, the density altitude was calculated to be about 10,706 feet mean sea level. Toxicology testing on the pilot was positive for an unspecified amount of Famotidine within the blood and urine. Famotidine is an acid-reducing medication, used to treat heartburn or ulcer disease and is available through prescription or over the counter. Famotidine is commonly known by the trade name Pepcid.