# NTSB DEN08CA002: Cessna 172N, N2263E, Calhan, CO, October 4, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 4, 2007, 07:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Calhan, CO
- Coordinates: 39.034721, -104.284164
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0347&lon=-104.2842&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66828
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN08CA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66828/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08CA002

## Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence

## Analysis

According to the student pilot, he was performing a soft field takeoff. The student pilot stated that the airplane veered off of the runway to the left, impacted a fence and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage. The student pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies.

## Factual narrative

According to the student pilot, he was performing a soft field takeoff from runway 35 (4,565 by 50 feet, turf/gravel). The student pilot stated that the airplane veered off of the runway to the left, impacted a fence and nosed over. The main landing gear separated, the firewall, fuselage, and both wings were wrinkled, and the vertical stabilizer was bent down. The student pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. An examination of the airplane's systems, conducted by a local Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, revealed no anomalies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2263E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2263E-2014-09-16), registration cancelled 2014-09-16, S/N 17271212, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17271212
- Airframe hours: 6664.9
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 2006
- Departed: KCOS, Colorado Sprngs, CO
- Destination: K5V4, Calhan, CO
- Airport: 5V4, Calhan Airport, runway 35, 4,565 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; injuries: minor; student; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 207 total, 201 in this make and model, 27 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observed at: KMNH, 22 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20071004023769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071004023769A), Oct 4, 2007: Cessna 172N, Calhan, CO, Substantial damage. (-23) PIC stated he was practicing soft field takeoffs and landings. On takeoff the airplane veered left into tall grass adjacent to the runway. Despite…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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