# NTSB DEN91LA063: Cessna 172, N6231K, Steamboat Sprin, CO, April 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1991, 15:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Steamboat Sprin, CO
- Coordinates: 40.490779, -106.830413 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4908&lon=-106.8304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18085
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA063
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18085/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA063

## Probable cause

THE CFI USED POOR JUDGEMENT IN GIVING A SIMULATED ENGINE FAILURE BY TURNING OFF THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - fuel system,selector/valve - closed (cause)
  - judgment - not used, pilot in command(cfi)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

DURING A PRE SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR GAVE THE STUDENT A SIMULATED ENGINE FAILURE, WHILE IN THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN, BY TURNING OFF THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE.  WHEN THE VALVE WAS TURNED BACK ON, THE ENGINE DID NOT RESTART IN A TIMELY FASHION AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD.  DUE TO SOFT TERRAIN, THE NOSE WHEEL DUG IN DURING LANDING ROLL AND THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6231K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6231K-2001-03-26), registration cancelled 2001-03-26, S/N 17274176 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17274176
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Steamboat Flying Service
- Registered owner: Steamboat Flying Service
- Airport: SBS, Steamboat Springs

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,321 total, 760 in this make and model, 1,149 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 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 19910422011759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910422011759A), Apr 22, 1991: Cessna 172P, Steamboat Spgs, CO, Substantial damage. Simulated engine out by fuel selector to off. Engine delayed start. Landed in field. Flipped over in soft ground.

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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