On July 24, 1992, a Cessna 172RG (registration N4963R) operated by Emery Aviation College was involved in an aviation accident near Fairplay, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S OPERATION AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR OBSTACLES IN RISING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, DIVERSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR'S ATTENTION, AND THE RISING TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a mountain flying checkout, an instructor took control to show a campsite, flying low through a valley below ridges. Video tape corroborated accounts; computed density altitude was 12,245 feet MSL.
Flight Purpose
The flight was conducted to provide a pilot with a mountain flying checkout. A pilot-rated passenger was seated in the back seat observing the flight.
Events
During the flight, the instructor took control of the airplane and indicated to both pilots that he wanted to show them a campsite where he had camped several weeks earlier. The instructor flew up a mountainous valley while the pilot operated a video camera. The passenger stated that they were flying at low altitude and below ridges rising on both sides of the airplane.
Video Evidence
Examination of the video tape corroborated statements made by the pilot and passenger. The tape depicted the events leading up to and including the impact.
Environmental Conditions
Computed density altitude was approximately 12,245 feet MSL.
What happened in the 24 Jul 1992 Cessna 172RG accident near Fairplay, CO?
During a mountain flying checkout, an instructor took control to show a campsite, flying low through a valley below ridges. Video tape corroborated accounts; computed density altitude was 12,245 feet MSL.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N4963R, operated by Emery Aviation College, at Fairplay, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S OPERATION AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR OBSTACLES IN RISING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, DIVERSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR'S ATTENTION, AND THE RISING TERRAIN.
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