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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacts Trees During Descent to Mountain Airport (N915ER)

Prescott, AZ, US

On September 27, 1984, a Cessna 172Q (registration N915ER) operated by Embry-riddle Aero. Univ. was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a descent to a 5,042 ft elevation airport, the aircraft struck trees and mountainous terrain at the 7,000 ft level. The CFI, with a hooded student pilot at the controls, realized the aircraft was too low and called for a climb, but impact occurred.

Incident Overview

An aircraft impacted trees and mountainous terrain at the 7,000 ft level while descending to an airport with an elevation of 5,042 ft. The flight instructor (CFI) stated that the hooded student pilot was at the controls. The descent began from 10,500 ft, approximately 30 miles from the airport.

Flight Descent

During the descent, the local altimeter setting was dialed in. The CFI realized the aircraft was too low and called for a climb. Trees were seen just prior to impact. The CFI also mentioned that they had been working on VOR intercepts during the descent.

Investigation Details

The accident involved a collision with trees and mountainous terrain during the approach phase. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants was provided in the source.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1984 Cessna 172Q accident near Prescott, AZ?

During a descent to a 5,042 ft elevation airport, the aircraft struck trees and mountainous terrain at the 7,000 ft level. The CFI, with a hooded student pilot at the controls, realized the aircraft was too low and called for a climb, but impact occurred.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1984 involved a Cessna 172Q, registration N915ER, operated by Embry-riddle Aero. Univ., at Prescott, AZ.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41106. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.