# NTSB DEN85LA087: Cessna 180, N17RK, Lapoint, UT, February 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 25, 1985, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Lapoint, UT
- Coordinates: 40.389785, -109.83963 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3898&lon=-109.8396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16643
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16643/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA087

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A SNOWBANK WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A ROAD NEAR LAPOINT, UTAH. THE ACFT WAS BEING USED TO COUNT ELK ON AN INDIAN RESERVATION. THE PLT LANDED TO RELIEVE HIMSELF. ON THE SUBSEQUENT TAKEOFF THE ACFT HIT A CHUCKHOLE IN THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED IT TO VEER INTO A SNOWBANK. THE ACFT FLIPPED OVER CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE PASSENGER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N17RK (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18051695
- Airframe hours: 4100
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Krissman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 15, 1985, 13 hours before
- Departed: ROOSEVELT, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 8,475 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 8,300 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 1 °F

## 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 19850225004309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850225004309A), Feb 25, 1985: Cessna 180H, Lapoint, UT, Substantial damage. During takeoff roll on mosely road, right wheel struck a chuck hole, right wing hit a snow bank. Flipped onto back.

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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