Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On November 18, 2009, about 1130 mountain standard time, a Navion G airplane, N2493T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power while on final approach to the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Montrose, Colorado. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from MTJ around 1040.

The pilot reported that prior to departure he performed a visual inspection and estimated the airplane contained 12-14 gallons of fuel. Approximately 35 minutes after takeoff and while on final approach to land, the engine lost complete power. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot elected to land on a residential street. Shortly before touchdown, the airplane impacted a tree and subsequently the street. The airplane came to rest in an upright position approximately 180 degrees opposite the direction of travel. The airplane’s fuselage and left wing sustained structural damage.

An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that the airplane's non-compromised fuel tanks contained approximately one and a half quarts of a blue liquid consistent with 100LL aviation fuel. No other pre impact anomalies were noted that would have prevented the engine from producing power. A loss of engine power due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.