# NTSB DEN85LA182: Cessna 182-R, N9837H, Telluride, CO, July 6, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1985, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Telluride, CO
- Coordinates: 37.940147, -107.899673 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9401&lon=-107.8997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16719
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16719/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA182

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - total, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - exceeded (cause)
  - performance data - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID THAT HE MANEUVERED THE NEAR MAX GWT ACFT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A SKI SLOPE AND 'I DIDN'T LEAVE MYSELF AN EXIT.' THE PLT THEN APPLIED FULL POWER IN AN ATTEMPT TO OUTCLIMB THE RISING TERRAIN BUT IMPACTED A KNOLL. DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS COMPUTED TO BE 12,120 FT MSL. THE PERFORMANCE CHARTS INDICATE THAT THE ACFT WILL CLIMB AT ABOUT 265 FPM AND THE ENGINE WILL DEVELOP NO MORE THAN 69% OF ITS RATED (230 BHP) POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9837H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9837H), registered now, S/N 18268058, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182-R
- Registry model: [Cessna 182R](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182r) (registry code 2072731) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18268058
- Airframe hours: 8685
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Front Range Aero
- Registered owner: Riley Barker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: MJT, MONTROSE, CO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 93 total, 16 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DRO, 45 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 19850706030229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850706030229A), Jul 6, 1985: Cessna 182R, Telluride, CO, Substantial damage. Unable to climb over terrain after encountering downdraft, struck a knoll. Density altitude over 12000 feet.

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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