Country
code
CO
Crash of a Learjet 24A in Vail: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Mar 27, 1987 at 2045 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N31SK
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Denver - Vail
MSN:
24-118
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total hours on type:
2000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8432
Circumstances:
After refueling in Denver, the medical evacuation flight was diverted from Aspen to Eagle to enplane the patient. IFR flight to Eagle was uneventful and radar service was terminated after the controller cleared the flight for the lDA-A approach to the Eagle Airport which shows a 239° inbound course. The last radio contact occurred when the crew replied 'we're 8 to 10 out and it's clear ahead' to Eagle radio in answer to a request for a base report. The flight collided with an 8,022 foot msl mountaintop bearing 298°, 3.88 miles from the airport while in the approach configuration. The safety board believes the flight was circling to land on runway 07, and the dark night prevented required visual lookout to avoid terrain obstructions. The Jeppesen approach charts used by the flightcrew did not accurately depict terrain obstructions within the 5-mile radius of the airport as stipulated in their legend. The safety board believes this could have mislead the flightcrew. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (f) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. Visual lookout - not possible - pilot in command
6. (f) approach charts - inaccurate
7. (c) planned approach - improper - pilot in command
8. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
9. (f) minimum descent altitude - disregarded - pilot in command
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (f) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
4. (f) light condition - dark night
5. Visual lookout - not possible - pilot in command
6. (f) approach charts - inaccurate
7. (c) planned approach - improper - pilot in command
8. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
9. (f) minimum descent altitude - disregarded - pilot in command
Final Report:
Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FL in Basalt
Date & Time:
Mar 12, 1987 at 1839 LT
Registration:
N4581E
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Aspen - Denver
MSN:
680-1672-134
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
104.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4267
Circumstances:
N4581E was operating under 14 cfr 135 carrying cargo. The pilot stated that he departed VFR and had '7 to 10' miles visibility at the accident site. Witnesses at and near the accident site stated that heavy snow was falling at the time of the accident and the visibility was one mile or less. The aircraft struck a 2 story duplex in a light wing low attitude, 18 feet agl. Post crash exam of the aircraft and engines revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot had been grounded for a couple of weeks prior to the accident due to medical problems. There was no record that indicated the pilot had been route checked for operations at Aspen.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) light condition - night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (c) vfr flight into imc - initiated - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (c) visual lookout - reduced - pilot in command
6. (f) weather condition - obscuration
7. (c) altitude - improper - pilot in command
8. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
9. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
10. Object - residence
11. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) light condition - night
2. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
3. (c) vfr flight into imc - initiated - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (c) visual lookout - reduced - pilot in command
6. (f) weather condition - obscuration
7. (c) altitude - improper - pilot in command
8. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
9. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
10. Object - residence
11. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 340A in Two Buttes: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 31, 1987 at 2049 LT
Registration:
N6320X
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Palm Springs – Farmington – Olathe
MSN:
340A-0491
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Aircraft flight hours:
1426
Circumstances:
The pilot and his wife were en route from Palm Springs, CA, to Olathe, KS, and had stopped for fuel at Farmington, NM. After departure, the aircraft was eventually cleared to FL210. At 1934 the pilot gave Denver ARTCC the following pirep: 'there's been some snow but I've been mostly in and out of the tops. Looks like I got clear skies above me most of the time...and it is moderately rough from time to time.' At 2045 Kansas City ARTCC advised the pilot he was at FL213. The pilot acknowledged he had drifted off altitude and was correcting and was heading 060°. At 2047 the controller advised the pilot he was at FL203. The pilot replied, 'we've had a gyro failure.' At 2049 radar contact was lost. The aircraft impacted an open field in a near vertical attitude. There was no evidence of airframe, engine, propeller, or flight control failure. Only one vacuum pump was recovered. The instrument panel and autopilot system were destroyed. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. (f) weather condition - clouds
3. (f) light condition - dark night
4. (f) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
2. (f) weather condition - clouds
3. (f) light condition - dark night
4. (f) spatial disorientation - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:
Crash of a Mitsubishi MU-2B-20 Marquise in Denver
Date & Time:
Oct 12, 1986 at 1051 LT
Registration:
N3MU
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Grand Junction – Denver – Chicago
MSN:
143
YOM:
1969
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
38.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5780
Circumstances:
Aircraft had been repossessed and was being ferried from Grand Junction, CO, to Chicago, IL, with en route stop at Denver, CO. After takeoff from Denver, landing gear would not retract. Pilot made several attempts without success. He elected to return to Denver. Pilot said that on final approach the right engine began surging and the left engine would not increase power. Aircraft made hard landing on runway, breaking left wing. Investigation revealed both speed levers would not function because engine prop governors and underspeed fuel governor reset arms, splined onto underspeed fuel governor shafts, were positioned on opposite side of speed lever actuating arms. Landing gear functioned normally during swing tests. It was later learned that right main tire had blown on takeoff 3 days earlier and required repair. Maintenance personnel opened the landing gear circuit breakers to preclude inadvertent gear retraction. Pilot said he checked circuit breakers when gear failed to retract. Both occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) electrical system,circuit breaker - not engaged
2. (f) maintenance - inadequate - company maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
5. (f) landing gear - inoperative
6. Gear retraction - attempted - pilot in command
7. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - copilot/second pilot
8. (c) electrical system, circuit breaker - open
9. (f) landing gear, gear indicating system - false indication
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
10. Precautionary landing - performed - pilot in command
11. (c) checklist - not followed - pilot in command
12. (c) propeller governor control, linkage - incorrect
13. (c) maintenance - not corrected - company maintenance personnel
14. (c) maintenance, service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate - other maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #3: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
15. (c) airspeed (vref) - below - pilot in command
16. (c) diverted attention - pilot in command
17. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) electrical system,circuit breaker - not engaged
2. (f) maintenance - inadequate - company maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
5. (f) landing gear - inoperative
6. Gear retraction - attempted - pilot in command
7. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - copilot/second pilot
8. (c) electrical system, circuit breaker - open
9. (f) landing gear, gear indicating system - false indication
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
10. Precautionary landing - performed - pilot in command
11. (c) checklist - not followed - pilot in command
12. (c) propeller governor control, linkage - incorrect
13. (c) maintenance - not corrected - company maintenance personnel
14. (c) maintenance, service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate - other maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #3: hard landing
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
15. (c) airspeed (vref) - below - pilot in command
16. (c) diverted attention - pilot in command
17. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 340A near Crawford: 5 killed
Date & Time:
Sep 25, 1986 at 1740 LT
Registration:
N6663G
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Gunnison – Grand Junction
MSN:
340A-0693
YOM:
1979
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total hours on type:
1420.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1560
Circumstances:
The pilot took off on a VFR flight with no flight plan filed or weather briefing. He encountered a weather squall line en route with low ceilings, fog, mixed rain and snow. While he was attempting to maneuver VFR through the weather at a low altitude above the ground, the aircraft entered clouds and impacted terrain at 7,500 feet msl in mountainous terrain. All five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
6. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
7. (c) hazardous weather advisory - not obtained - pilot in command
8. (c) vfr flight into imc - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
9. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
10. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (f) weather condition - fog
3. (f) weather condition - rain
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
6. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
7. (c) hazardous weather advisory - not obtained - pilot in command
8. (c) vfr flight into imc - inadvertent - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
9. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
10. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:
Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Boulder: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Jul 26, 1986 at 0740 LT
Registration:
N4346L
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Boulder - Boulder
MSN:
46-8408038
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
83.00
Aircraft flight hours:
382
Circumstances:
The purpose of the flight for both aircraft was an aerial photo mission. N5113S was used as the camera platform. The pilots of N5113S and N4346L discussed prior to takeoff the procedures of the flight. Both aircraft departed and flew a course to position the airplanes on a southerly heading. N5113S was to the east and slightly above and ahead of N4346L. The photographer shot one roll of film and reloaded. He was ready to begin shooting when N4346L began to close in on N5113S. The pilot of N5113S felt two 'bumps' as N4346L closed, and did not see the aircraft pass under. The pilot of N5113S maneuvered his aircraft to determine controllability and saw N4346L spiralling to the ground. Examination of N4346L revealed the vertical stab and rudder had separated in-flight. There were numerous paint smears found on the right side on N5113S. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: midair collision
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) in-flight planning/decision - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
3. (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command
4. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
5. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
6. Vertical stabilizer surface - separation
7. Flight control, rudder - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. Object - vehicle
9. Object - none suitable
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) in-flight planning/decision - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
3. (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command
4. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
5. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
6. Vertical stabilizer surface - separation
7. Flight control, rudder - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. Object - vehicle
9. Object - none suitable
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 425 Conquest in Granby: 5 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 11, 1986 at 1045 LT
Registration:
N425SC
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hutchison - Granby
MSN:
425-0126
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total hours on type:
156.00
Aircraft flight hours:
935
Circumstances:
During arrival, the pilot advised ARTCC that the destination airport appeared to be covered with fog. She then canceled her IFR flight plan. According to ground witnesses, the aircraft made several passes over the airport. Witnesses also reported that the horizontal visibility was nil, but they could see blue sky directly above. During the last pass, the aircraft crossed over the approach end of the runway with the gear and flaps extended, angling to the left of the runway heading. Moments later, witnesses heard the engines go to full power, then silence followed. The aircraft was found where it impacted rising snow covered terrain approximately 1/8 mile south of the midpoint of the airport. There was evidence that the aircraft was in a steep descending, right wing low attitude when it crashed. No preimpact part failure/malfunction was found. A passenger was seriously injured while five other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) terrain condition - snow covered
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (c) vfr flight into imc - continued - pilot in command
5. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
6. Go-around - initiated - pilot in command
7. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - rising
9. Descent - uncontrolled
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) terrain condition - snow covered
3. (f) weather condition - fog
4. (c) vfr flight into imc - continued - pilot in command
5. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
6. Go-around - initiated - pilot in command
7. (c) aircraft handling - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - rising
9. Descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:
Crash of a Piper PA-31P-350 Mojave in Denver
Date & Time:
Dec 1, 1985 at 1808 LT
Registration:
N9250Y
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
El Paso – Denver
MSN:
31-8414029
YOM:
1984
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
212.00
Aircraft flight hours:
296
Circumstances:
The pilot had been flying approximately 7 hours and was completing the flight at night when the accident occurred. He was using visual cues (the airport environment) to position the aircraft at a proper altitude for a visual approach and landing. The terrain south of the airport rises several hundred feet above the airport elevation. The terrain is sparsely lit. The aircraft touched down two miles short of runway 34R in an open pasture at an elevation of approximately 400 feet higher than the airport. The pilot had flown approximately one hour of night time in the last 90 days, according to his logbook. All three occupants were injured, two seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (c) became lost/disoriented - inadvertent - pilot in command
3. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
4. (f) fatigue - pilot in command
5. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
6. (f) lack of recent experience in type operation - pilot in command
7. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
8. Terrain condition - rising
9. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) light condition - dark night
2. (c) became lost/disoriented - inadvertent - pilot in command
3. (f) visual/aural perception - pilot in command
4. (f) fatigue - pilot in command
5. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
6. (f) lack of recent experience in type operation - pilot in command
7. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
8. Terrain condition - rising
9. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:
Crash of a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II in Franktown
Date & Time:
Dec 1, 1985 at 1732 LT
Registration:
N249JM
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nashville – Chanute – Aspen
MSN:
421B-0124
YOM:
1971
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
3.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6035
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Nashville, TN, for a flight to Aspen, CO. The pilots made one refueling stop at Chanute, KS. The pilots were unable to land at Aspen or a nearby alternate airport (Eagle, CO) and elected to return back to the Denver area. The pilots indicated to an ARTCC controller that they were low fuel. Before they could reach an airport the pilot told the controller they had engine failure and thought they had run out of fuel. During the emergency descent the aircraft struck an electrical power pole, power lines and then the ground. Inspection of the aircraft revealed 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remaining in each main fuel tank. All six occupants were injured, three seriously.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (c) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
2. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (f) fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate - pilot in command
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
6. Terrain condition - soft
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (c) fluid,fuel - exhaustion
2. (f) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (f) fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate - pilot in command
4. (c) judgment - poor - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (f) object - utility pole
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: landing
Findings
6. Terrain condition - soft
Final Report:
