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Casualties unknown

Single-Engine Aircraft Collides with Trees and Terrain in Canyon After Takeoff (N63016)

Woody Creek, CO, US

On October 24, 1992, a Cessna 172P (registration N63016) operated by Aspen Base Operation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Woody Creek, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AIRCRAFT CLIMB PERFORMANCE EXCEEDED. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN MOUNTAIN FLYING, AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. 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

A pilot on her first cross-country mountain flight turned into a canyon after takeoff, struck trees and terrain, and came to rest in a creek bed. Density altitude was approximately 12,443 feet. No mechanical failure found.

Accident Sequence

According to a passenger, shortly after takeoff the pilot made a right turn and entered a canyon. The passenger then noticed the airplane was at 10,800 feet and climbing, but the trees were getting closer and closer. The airplane struck the trees, impacted the ground, and came to rest in a creek bed.

Pilot and Flight Planning

Personal flight planning papers recovered from the wreckage indicated the pilot planned to fly to Granby, Colorado, via pilotage. The pilot had lived in the area for one month and had recently received a mountain flying checkout. This was her first cross-country mountain flying experience.

Aircraft and Environmental Conditions

There was no indication of airframe or powerplant failure or malfunction. Density altitude was approximately 12,443 feet.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1992 Cessna 172P accident near Woody Creek, CO?

A pilot on her first cross-country mountain flight turned into a canyon after takeoff, struck trees and terrain, and came to rest in a creek bed. Density altitude was approximately 12,443 feet. No mechanical failure found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1992 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N63016, operated by Aspen Base Operation, Inc., at Woody Creek, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AIRCRAFT CLIMB PERFORMANCE EXCEEDED. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN MOUNTAIN FLYING, AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15848. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.