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NTSB Report
October 6, 1985 · Cessna 177RG · N2578V
Aspen, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 6, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (2 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Location
Aspen, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 177RG
Tail Number
N2578V
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN86LA004
AFTER DEPARTURE FROM GLENWOOD SPRINGS COUNTY ARPT THE PLT INITIATED A CRUISE CLIMB TO FLY OVER A 12,093 FT HIGH MOUNTAIN PASS. HE ENTERED THE NARROW PASS AT AN ALT LOWER THAN THE SUMMIT, ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT WIND CURRENTS AND WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB FAST ENOUGH TO CLEAR RAPIDLY RISING TERRAIN.HE ATTEMPTED A 60 DEG BANK TURN TO REVERSE COURSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT STALL WARNING ACTIVATING. HE ABORTED THE TURN AND EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
AFTER DEPARTURE FROM GLENWOOD SPRINGS COUNTY ARPT THE PLT INITIATED A CRUISE CLIMB TO FLY OVER A 12,093 FT HIGH MOUNTAIN PASS. HE ENTERED THE NARROW PASS AT AN ALT LOWER THAN THE SUMMIT, ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT WIND CURRENTS AND WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB FAST ENOUGH TO CLEAR RAPIDLY RISING TERRAIN.HE ATTEMPTED A 60 DEG BANK TURN TO REVERSE COURSE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT STALL WARNING ACTIVATING. HE ABORTED THE TURN AND EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:46 MDT
Nearest Airport16nm ESE
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 177RG
Tail NumberN2578V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (2 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 11 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC