# NTSB DEN91FA132: Cessna 172N, N4868F, Tererro, NM, September 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1991, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Tererro, NM
- Coordinates: 35.739807, -105.670928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7398&lon=-105.6709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18036
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91FA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18036/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA132

## Probable cause

A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.  FACTORS WERE: LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT, AND INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS BY THE OPERATOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - insuff standards/requirements,operation/operator, company/operator mgmt (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

THE NEWLY CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT WAS SCHEDULED FOR AN EXTENDED CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT TO GAIN EXPERIENCE.  A NEWLY CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT FRIEND ACCOMPANIED HIM.  THEY WERE SCHEDULED IN A TYPE AIRCRAFT THEY HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY FLOWN, EXCEPT FOR A LOCAL CHECK OUT.  THE FLIGHT WAS PLANNED AND APPROVED INTO AN AREA OF MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND NEITHER PILOT HAD MOUNTAIN TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE.  WHILE MANEUVERING AT AN ALTITUDE 700 FEET BELOW THE SERVICE CEILING OF THE AIRCRAFT, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE AND THEN IMPACTED INTO TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4868F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4868F-1992-03-09), registration cancelled 1992-03-09, S/N 17273093 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17273093
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Pegasus Flight Center
- Registered owner: Pegasus Flight Center
- Departed: N93, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Destination: FTW, FT. WORTH, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 152 total, 3 in this make and model, 77 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °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 19910915042049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910915042049A), Sep 15, 1991: Cessna 172N, Tererro, NM, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Operated in mountain area near 172 service ceiling with no mountain experience. Struck trees on mountainside.

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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