# NTSB DEN85LA242: Cessna 172 M, N61788, Wray, CO, September 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1985, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Wray, CO
- Coordinates: 40.070415, -102.219436 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0704&lon=-102.2194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16762
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16762/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA242

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - aborted landing - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON HER FIRST SOLO FLIGHT. SHE STATED THAT SHE WAS ATTEMPTED HER FIRST LANDING AND WHILE ON APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY SHW DECIDED THAT IT 'WASN'T QUITE RIGHT.' SHE EXECUTED A GO-AROUND BUT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND AND CARTWHEELED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N61788 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 M
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17264801
- Airframe hours: 803
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Elizabeth Sherlock
- Registered owner: Lucille Bledsoe
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 26, 1985, 5 hours before
- Airport: 2V5, Wray Muni, runway 14, 5,000 × 90 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 17 total, 17 in this make and model, 17 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19850916049779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850916049779A), Sep 16, 1985: Cessna 172M, Wray, CO, Substantial damage. Stalled aircraft during attempted go around on first solo. Density altitude was 5817 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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