On December 3, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N6251E) operated by Edward G. Givens, Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Spgs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF WITH THE FUEL MIXTURE FULL RICH, WITH A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMB. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot reported engine power loss during initial climb, prompting an emergency landing in a field. The aircraft tipped left during landing, damaging the left wing, landing gear, and propeller. The pilot had not leaned the mixture; density altitude was 8,000 feet and aircraft near max gross weight. Post-accident inspection revealed low compression on one cylinder but no mechanical evidence explaining the power loss.
Accident Overview
A private pilot experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot elected to perform an emergency landing in a field. During the landing roll, the aircraft tipped to the left, resulting in damage to the left wing, landing gear, and propeller.
Pilot Reports and Conditions
The pilot reported that he had not leaned the mixture for this flight. The computed density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 8,000 feet. The pilot also indicated that the aircraft was loaded to near maximum gross weight.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed low compression on one cylinder. One magneto was removed, bench tested, and found to be operational. No mechanical evidence was discovered to explain the reported loss of engine power.
What happened in the 3 Dec 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Colorado Spgs, CO?
A private pilot reported engine power loss during initial climb, prompting an emergency landing in a field. The aircraft tipped left during landing, damaging the left wing, landing gear, and propeller. The pilot had not leaned the mixture; density altitude was 8,000 feet and aircraft near max gross weight.…
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Dec 1989 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Dec 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6251E, operated by Edward G. Givens, Iii, at Colorado Spgs, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF WITH THE FUEL MIXTURE FULL RICH, WITH A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMB.
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