Cessna R172E N146AC accident near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Probable cause

The airplane’s failure to maintain a climb after takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain; the reason for the airplane’s failure to climb could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was flying the airplane during the first takeoff of an instructional flight. The engine sounded normal and was operating properly with a fuel flow of about 14 gallons per hour and between 2,800 to 2,900 rpm. The instructor stated that, during the takeoff roll, the student rotated the airplane about 60 mph. Initially, the pitch was high, but then the student lowered the airplane's nose to the horizon. Subsequently, the airplane reached about 100 ft above ground level but then stopped climbing, and the airspeed began decreasing. The instructor reported that the fuel flow and rpm were still normal.

The instructor stated that he took the flight controls, lowered the flaps to 10°, and lowered the airplane's nose to hold 55 to 60 mph, "hoping that the ground effect would enable a speed increase." He turned the airplane right to avoid a tree line and conducted a forced landing in a field. The airplane landed on its main wheels, but the nose landing gear impacted rough terrain, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller governor revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, the reason for the airplane's failure to maintain a climb could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA335 for the full record.