Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On June 28, 2013, about 1455 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260 airplane, N856CC, impacted terrain near the Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE), Eagle, Colorado. The pilots were both seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ), Carlsbad, California, about 0915 pacific daylight time and was destined for KEGE.

The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the airplane. The fuel selector was found by first responders in the left main position. Battery power was applied to the airplane and the engine data monitoring (EDM) unit displayed.

Left Auxiliary Tank: 0 gallons
Left Main Tank: 11 gallons
Right Main Tank: 8 gallons
Right Auxiliary Tank: 3 gallons

Each tank contained a float that was moved and allowed to settle. The EDM displayed lower quantities. During recovery, the tanks were drained. The left auxiliary tank was empty and the left main tank contained 2 gallons. The right main tank contained 9.5 gallons and the right auxiliary tank contained 2.5 gallons.

The pilot reported that the co-pilot had borrowed the airplane in order to make the trip. The pilot flew the airplane while the co-pilot monitored their fuel status. While approaching runway 25 at EGE, the engine stopped producing power. The co-pilot took control of the airplane and directed the pilot to attempt a restart of the engine. The airplane descended and impacted terrain.

The airplane was moved to a salvage facility and the airplane's fuel tank senders were examined. All four senders displayed signs of age, wear, and corrosion. When tested with a voltmeter, none of the floats registered a consistent electrical signal when actuated through its range of motion. The pilots’ improper fuel management, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was worn and corroded fuel senders, which transmitted inaccurate fuel readings to the fuel monitoring system.