Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On February 9, 1996, at 1415 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172G, N4262L, conducted a forced landing in a field approximately 4 miles west of Gunnison County Airport, Gunnison, Colorado, following a total loss of power. The private pilot was not injured and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The flight was being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and a VFR flight plan was filed for this personal flight which originated in Delta, Colorado, at 1415. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

According to the pilot, the aircraft was in cruise flight at 13,000 feet above mean sea level (msl) when engine power gradually deteriorated. The pilot said he used carburetor heat, switched tanks, and tried different mixture settings. He said the engine control inputs had no effect and the engine lost all power. A forced landing was conducted in a snow covered field beside U. S. highway 50.

An examination of the aircraft fuel, fuel system, air system, engine, and carburetor was conducted and no abnormalities were found.

Outside air temperature at 13,000 feet msl at the time was approximately minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the pilot, he had a similar experience in the same aircraft and area in July 1995, and landed the aircraft without damage. Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.