Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 4, 2016, about 1128 mountain daylight time, an amateur-built Seawind airplane, N46EB, was destroyed by impact forces and a postimpact fire, during a forced landing near Buena Vista, Colorado. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to Boeve Enterprises, Inc., and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Lake County Airport (LXV), Leadville, Colorado, at an unconfirmed time, and was destined for the Central Colorado Regional Airport (AEJ), Buena Vista, Colorado, when the accident occurred.It was reported that the pilot flew the accident airplane from AEJ to LXV earlier in the day, and was on the return flight to AEJ when the accident occurred. The airplane owner, who witnessed the takeoff from LXV for the return flight to AEJ, reported no problems with the airplane's takeoff roll and initial climb.

A witness at AEJ reported that she heard the pilot declare a "mayday" on the airport common traffic advisory frequency, and that he was straight in for runway 15. The witness reported that the pilot did not state the nature of the emergency during the radio transmission.

Witnesses near the accident site reported hearing the engine running extremely rough as if it was running on only three cylinders and the wings were rocking back and forth. One witness reported seeing the airplane about 200 to 300 ft. agl, descending rapidly. The airplane made a steep left turn and witness noted that the landing gear was extended. The witness lost sight of the airplane prior to its impact with the ground.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine and airplane multiengine land ratings. He also held a second class medical certificate issued on September 4, 2015. The medical listed the following limitation: Must wear corrective lenses.

The pilot's flight logbook was not recovered during the investigation, however, the pilot reported having 2,000 total flight hours and 35 hours in the six months preceding his most recent medical examination.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The accident airplane was a composite, four-seat, amphibian airplane that featured a single tail-mounted engine. The airplane was produced as a kit that was assembled by an individual. The airplane had retractable tricycle landing gear and was powered by a six-cylinder Lycoming model IO-540-K1G5D engine rated to produce 300 horsepower.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
At 1115, the recorded weather conditions at AEJ were: wind 140 degrees at 8 knots, clear sky, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dew point 3 degrees Celsius, altimeter setting 30.35 inches of mercury.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The accident site was located about 4 miles and 330 degrees from AEJ. The accident site was an open, flat field with