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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Performance Issues During Takeoff, Makes Emergency Landing (CGPGA)

Bryce Canyon, UT, US

On November 13, 1989, a Cessna 172P (registration CGPGA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bryce Canyon, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE CLIMB SPEED. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN THAT THE PILOT DID NOT ADEQUATELY CONSIDER THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE EFFECT ON THE AIRPLANE'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE. 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 takeoff from a high-elevation airport, a pilot selected flaps and used about 2500 feet of runway. After reaching 400 ft AGL, the airplane wouldn't climb further; the pilot turned right, increased angle of attack, noted airspeed decaying, then made an emergency landing.

Narrative

The pilot reported selecting 10 degrees of flaps and initiating a takeoff on Runway 21. Winds were from 240 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The airplane used approximately 2,500 feet of the 7,400-foot runway.

After reaching 400 feet above ground level, the airplane would not climb further. The pilot then turned right, increased the angle of attack, and observed the airspeed decaying. The pilot selected a landing area and executed an emergency landing.

During the landing, the airplane struck a ridge, bounced over a fence, skidded through a small ditch, and came to rest in a depression. The landing gear collapsed.

Airport Conditions

The airport elevation was 7,586 feet. Density altitude was estimated to be 8,750 feet.

Damage

The landing gear collapsed during the landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Nov 1989 Cessna 172P accident near Bryce Canyon, UT?

During takeoff from a high-elevation airport, a pilot selected flaps and used about 2500 feet of runway. After reaching 400 ft AGL, the airplane wouldn't climb further; the pilot turned right, increased angle of attack, noted airspeed decaying, then made an emergency landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 172P, registration CGPGA, at Bryce Canyon, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE CLIMB SPEED. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN THAT THE PILOT DID NOT ADEQUATELY CONSIDER THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE EFFECT ON THE AIRPLANE'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29781. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.