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Cessna 172P Accident at High Elevation Near Continental Divide (N911JR)

Monarch Crest, CO, US

On August 9, 2004, a Cessna 172P (registration N911JR) operated by Pittsburgh Flight Training Center was involved in an aviation accident near Monarch Crest, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall, and his decision to conduct flight beyond the performance capability of the aircraft. A contributing factor was the high density altitude, and an inadvertent stall. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Two pilots on a return flight to the east encountered difficulties near the Continental Divide. Witnesses observed the airplane at eye level before it banked and descended. The accident occurred at 11,418 ft msl, with a density altitude computed at 14,300 ft, exceeding the aircraft's service ceiling.

Accident Overview

The accident involved a 1984 Cessna 172P Skyhawk being flown by two pilots returning home after a trip to the west coast. Two witnesses, who were hiking near the Continental Divide, reported hearing an airplane approaching. They saw the aircraft coming toward them "at eye level" and described it as appearing stationary before banking hard to the right and descending straight down.

Location and Elevation

The accident site was at an elevation of 11,418 feet mean sea level (msl). The elevation of the adjacent portion of the Continental Divide was 11,530 feet msl.

Engine Examination

Disassembly and examination of the engine after the accident revealed no anomalies.

Weather and Density Altitude

Weather data from a remote automated weather observing system (AWOS) located approximately 1 mile east of the accident site was used to compute an estimated density altitude of 14,300 feet msl.

Aircraft Performance Information

According to the 1984 Cessna 172P Skyhawk "Information Manual," the airplane's service ceiling is 13,000 feet.

Aerodynamic stall

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 2004 Cessna 172P accident near Monarch Crest, CO?

Two pilots on a return flight to the east encountered difficulties near the Continental Divide. Witnesses observed the airplane at eye level before it banked and descended. The accident occurred at 11,418 ft msl, with a density altitude computed at 14,300 ft, exceeding the aircraft's service ceiling.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N911JR, operated by Pittsburgh Flight Training Center, at Monarch Crest, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall, and his decision to conduct flight beyond the performance capability of the aircraft. A contributing factor was the high density altitude, and an inadvertent stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040816X01228. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.