# NTSB DEN88LA129: Cessna 172, N2262E, Rifle, CO, June 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1988, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Rifle, CO
- Coordinates: 39.529212, -107.769241 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5292&lon=-107.7692&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17479
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17479/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA129

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - stall (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS FLYING A X-COUNTRY TRAINING FLT. THE FLT WAS NOT ON THE PLANNED ROUTE. THE PLT FLEW INTO A BOX CANYON TOO NARROW TO COMPLETE A TURN AND COULD NOT CLIMB FAST ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE TERRAIN AT THE END OF THE CANYON. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A TURN AND THE AIRPLANE STALLED. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES AND FELL TO THE TERRAIN ABOUT 300 FEET BELOW THE CANYON RIDGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2262E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2262E-1989-10-12), registration cancelled 1989-10-12, S/N 17271211 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17271211
- Airframe hours: 1750
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Corporate Aircraft Serv. Of Co
- Registered owner: Corp. Arcft Serv. Of Colorado
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 1, 1988, 40 hours before
- Destination: MTJ, MONTROSE, CO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 17; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 23 total, 23 in this make and model, 4 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19880614063299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880614063299A), Jun 14, 1988: Cessna 172N, Rifle, CO, Substantial damage. Student was advised not to try mountain route. Struck trees trying to cross a ridge on that route. Claims mistake.

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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