# NTSB DEN90LA185: Cessna 172M, N1241U, Parker, CO, September 11, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 11, 1990, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Parker, CO
- Coordinates: 39.500587, -104.760154 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5006&lon=-104.7602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17989
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17989/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA185

## Probable cause

THE DUAL STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT POWER PLANT CONTROLS, RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, go-around (vfr)
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT WAS GIVING TRAINING TO A COMMERCIAL PILOT WHO WAS PREPARING TO RENEW HIS INSTRUCTOR'S LICENSE. THE INSTRUCTOR WAS GIVING HIS STUDENT A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING. DURING THE DESCENT THE ENGINE WAS CLEARED ONLY ONCE. WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS ADVANCED FOR A GO-AROUND THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1241U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1241U), registered now, S/N 17266936, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17266936
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Vy Aviation Corporation, doing business as Aero Trng Of The Rockies, Limi
- Registered owner: Vy Aviation Corp.
- Departed: APA, ENGLEWOOD, CO
- Destination: APA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 550 total, 180 in this make and model, 480 as pilot in command, 130 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900911038919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900911038919A), Sep 11, 1990: Cessna 172M, Parker, CO, Substantial damage. Engine failed to respond for go around in practice forced landing. Engine only cleared once during glide.

## Other investigations on N1241U (1)

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.

- [NTSB DEN91LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA087), Jun 23, 1991: Cessna 172M (N1241U), Keenesburg, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGING THE APPROACH, AND DISREGARD OF WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE: A TAILWIND CONDITION AND THE PILOT'S ANXIETY.

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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