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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 5, 1989 · Cessna 172M · N9183H

Ruidoso, NM

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Ruidoso, NM
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N9183H
Operator
Kelley Robert V
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN89LA187

N9183H HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM AN 8100 X 100 FT ASPHALT RWY WHERE THE ELEV IS 6811 FT MSL. THERE WAS A RIGHT QUARTERING HEADWIND AT 10 KTS AND THE TEMP WAS 81 DEG F. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS CALCULATED TO BE 9400 FT. THE PLT SAID HE LEANED THE MIXTURE AT 2000 RPM DURING THE RUNUP AND AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE RPM, AIRSPEED, AND ALTITUDE. THE PLT SAID HE FIRST ENRICHED THE MIXTURE AND THEN LEANED IT OUT AGAIN. HE THEN APPLIED CARB HEAT AS THE RPM HAD DECREASED TO 1900. WHEN THE RPM REACHED 1800, THE PLT DECIDED AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS INEVITABLE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO TREES 1/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE SOUTH END OF THE RWY.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL AND CARBURETOR HEAT DURING A TAKEOFF IN HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

Full Narrative

N9183H HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM AN 8100 X 100 FT ASPHALT RWY WHERE THE ELEV IS 6811 FT MSL. THERE WAS A RIGHT QUARTERING HEADWIND AT 10 KTS AND THE TEMP WAS 81 DEG F. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS CALCULATED TO BE 9400 FT. THE PLT SAID HE LEANED THE MIXTURE AT 2000 RPM DURING THE RUNUP AND AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE RPM, AIRSPEED, AND ALTITUDE. THE PLT SAID HE FIRST ENRICHED THE MIXTURE AND THEN LEANED IT OUT AGAIN. HE THEN APPLIED CARB HEAT AS THE RPM HAD DECREASED TO 1900. WHEN THE RPM REACHED 1800, THE PLT DECIDED AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS INEVITABLE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO TREES 1/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE SOUTH END OF THE RWY.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:58 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN9183H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKelley Robert V
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data