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NTSB Report
September 17, 1984 · Cessna 172K · N78680
Aspen, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 17, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Aspen, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N78680
Operator
Mountain View Airmotive
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN84FA293
AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A VALLEY AIRSTRIP IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, PLT ELECTED TO CLIMB OUT STRAIGHT AHEAD TOWARD RISING TERRAIN INSTEAD OF CIRCLING TO GAIN ALTITUDE FIRST (NORMAL PROCEDURE). APPROACHING MOUNTAIN PASS, ACFT WAS OBSERVED CLIMBING BELOW LEVEL OF THE HIGHWAY. NO ATTEMPT TO REVERSE COURSE NOTED. ACFT MUSHED INTO TERRAIN. PLT CITED ADVERSE WINDS AT THE PASS. INVESTIGATION SHOWED DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 14664 FT.
Full Narrative
AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A VALLEY AIRSTRIP IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, PLT ELECTED TO CLIMB OUT STRAIGHT AHEAD TOWARD RISING TERRAIN INSTEAD OF CIRCLING TO GAIN ALTITUDE FIRST (NORMAL PROCEDURE). APPROACHING MOUNTAIN PASS, ACFT WAS OBSERVED CLIMBING BELOW LEVEL OF THE HIGHWAY. NO ATTEMPT TO REVERSE COURSE NOTED. ACFT MUSHED INTO TERRAIN. PLT CITED ADVERSE WINDS AT THE PASS. INVESTIGATION SHOWED DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 14664 FT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:55 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN78680
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMountain View Airmotive
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1LD · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:25
Weather SourceWFAC