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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing After Takeoff in High Density Altitude Conditions (N9183H)

Ruidoso, NM, US

On August 5, 1989, a Cessna 172M (registration N9183H) operated by Kelley, Robert V. was involved in an aviation accident near Ruidoso, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL AND CARBURETOR HEAT DURING A TAKEOFF IN HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. 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

N9183H experienced engine power loss after takeoff from a high-elevation runway in density altitude of 9400 ft. Pilot attempted corrective actions but executed forced landing; aircraft impacted trees south of runway.

Introduction

On an unspecified date, a general aviation aircraft registered as N9183H departed from an asphalt runway measuring 8,100 feet in length and 100 feet in width. The airport elevation was 6,811 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Weather conditions included a right quartering headwind at 10 knots and a temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a calculated density altitude of 9,400 feet.

Flight Details

During the pre-takeoff runup, the pilot leaned the fuel mixture at 2,000 RPM. Following takeoff, the engine began to lose RPM, airspeed, and altitude.

Events After Takeoff

The pilot first attempted to enrich the mixture, then leaned it out again. As engine RPM decreased to 1,900, the pilot applied carburetor heat. When RPM declined further to 1,800, the pilot determined that an off-airport forced landing was unavoidable.

Conclusion

The aircraft subsequently crashed into trees located approximately one-quarter mile south of the southern end of the runway. The accident site was south of the departure end of the runway.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1989 Cessna 172M accident near Ruidoso, NM?

N9183H experienced engine power loss after takeoff from a high-elevation runway in density altitude of 9400 ft. Pilot attempted corrective actions but executed forced landing; aircraft impacted trees south of runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9183H, operated by Kelley, Robert V., at Ruidoso, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL AND CARBURETOR HEAT DURING A TAKEOFF IN HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29098. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.