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Casualties unknown

Student Pilot and Flight Instructor Involved in Accident During Departure (N7383G)

Greeley, CO, US

On July 31, 2002, a Cessna 172K (registration N7383G) operated by Harris Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Greeley, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition. 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 student pilot and flight instructor experienced a loss of control shortly after takeoff from an airport with high density altitude. The aircraft dove into the runway despite the instructor's attempt to recover.

Accident Details

The student pilot and flight instructor were departing for the student's third flight lesson. The density altitude at the time was calculated to be 8,393 feet. During the departure, the flight instructor reported that the student began to level the airplane 5 to 10 seconds after liftoff. The instructor took hold of the yoke and assisted the student in adjusting the airplane's pitch to resume the departure climb, then returned full control to the student.

The instructor then looked out of the airplane to check for any airplanes landing on the cross runway. Suddenly and without warning, the flight controls moved to the full forward position, and the airplane began to dive directly towards the runway. The instructor grabbed the control yoke but could not arrest the descent before the airplane impacted the runway.

The student pilot was taking a prescription medication that was not approved for flight.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2002 Cessna 172K accident near Greeley, CO?

A student pilot and flight instructor experienced a loss of control shortly after takeoff from an airport with high density altitude. The aircraft dove into the runway despite the instructor's attempt to recover.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2002 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N7383G, operated by Harris Aviation, at Greeley, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's improper handling of the airplane's controls (for reason undetermined), and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01333. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.