FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacted Trees During Climb in Rising Terrain (N9043G)

Montrose, CO, US

On September 8, 1997, a Cessna 182N (registration N9043G) operated by Robert O. Briggs was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight and in-flight planning, preparation and decision making. A related factor was the improper use of flaps. 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

An aircraft departing an airfield at 5,759 ft msl impacted trees at 9,705 ft msl while climbing into rising terrain. Flaps were deployed 5–10°, and the aircraft exceeded the maximum allowable weight.

Departure and Climb

The accident aircraft departed an airport located at 5,759 feet msl and was climbing under visual conditions into rising terrain topping at 10,000 feet msl.

Witness Observation

According to a witness located approximately 200 yards from the accident site, he observed the aircraft flying low over the trees in a southerly direction. The witness said he looked away and when he looked back the aircraft had impacted into trees at 9,705 feet msl 17.3 miles from the airport.

Aircraft Configuration and Performance

Investigation revealed the flaps were deployed between 5 and 10 degrees. According to performance charts, the maximum rate of climb at 10,000 feet msl was calculated to be 325 feet-per-minute, based on the temperature being 40 degrees above standard. The chart is based on flaps up, an indicated airspeed of 85 mph, and proper leaning of the engine.

Weight and Balance

The aircraft weight was calculated as 2,957.9 pounds and the maximum allowed weight, except for takeoff, was 2,950 pounds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 1997 Cessna 182N accident near Montrose, CO?

An aircraft departing an airfield at 5,759 ft msl impacted trees at 9,705 ft msl while climbing into rising terrain. Flaps were deployed 5–10°, and the aircraft exceeded the maximum allowable weight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 182N, registration N9043G, operated by Robert O. Briggs, at Montrose, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inadequate preflight and in-flight planning, preparation and decision making. A related factor was the improper use of flaps.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08829. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.