This 1955 Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer Is a Distinguished, Easy-Flying ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick An early tricycle-gear success, the Tri-Pacer helped convince Cessna to develop the 172.

Christopher Hans, 43, took off in his Piper Pacer plane in the dark from a private runway, in foggy conditions, shortly before 7:30 p.m. Mountain time Saturday, according to the Highway Patrol.