# NTSB DEN85LA219: Cessna C-172, N7202A, Killdeer, ND, August 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1985, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Killdeer, ND
- Coordinates: 47.359642, -102.749771 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3596&lon=-102.7498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16748
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16748/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA219

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - downhill
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - clearance - not attained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE MEASURED THE LENGTH OF THE R/W PRIOR TO T/O. THE T/O WAS NORMAL ON A DOWNSLOPING R/W WITH TREES AT THE FAR END. THE PLT SAID THAT AS THE A/C LIFTED OFF THE R/W THE A/C STRUCK THE TREES. HE SAID A GUST OF WIND CAUSED THE A/C TO SETTLE INTO THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7202A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7202A-2006-10-20), registration cancelled 2006-10-20, S/N 29302, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C-172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 29302
- Airframe hours: 1563
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William E. Jorgenson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 1985, 91 hours before
- Destination: S25, WATFORD, ND
- Airport: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 117 total, 87 in this make and model, 95 as pilot in command, 76 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850815038809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850815038809A), Aug 15, 1985: Cessna 172, Killdeer, ND, Substantial damage. Attempted downhill takeoff from short field and failed to clear trees. Density altitude, runway length are factors.

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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