Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On July 22, 1994, at 0958 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N6086R, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Englewood, Colorado. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The following is based on the pilot/operator report and an oral statement the pilot gave to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The airplane was slow to accelerate during the takeoff roll, and liftoff was made about halfway down 10,000-foot long runway 17L between 60 and 65 knots. The nose was lowered in an attempt to remain in ground effect and increase acceleration. The airplane did not accelerate nor climb, and continued to fly just above the stall speed. Since there was insufficient runway remaining to make a landing, the pilot began a shallow left turn to return to runway 28, added 10 degrees of flaps for more lift, and notified the control tower of his intentions. The airplane stalled and impacted terrain.

The pilot reported, and the FAA inspector computed, the following weight of the airplane:

Airplane empty weight 1,652.59 pounds Pilot and occupants 730 pounds Fuel 365 pounds Baggage 80 pounds Total 2,827.59 pounds

According to the Airplane Flight Manual, the maximum gross takeoff weight is 2,650 pounds. Density altitude was 7,496 feet MSL. AN INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE THE AIRPLANE'S MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT AND CLIMB CAPABILITY WERE EXCEEDED, AND A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.