Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 2, 2016, about 0800 mountain standard time, a Curtis Wright Travel Air 4000 airplane, N6464, was destroyed when it impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent near Palmer Lake, Colorado. The pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight; no flight plan had been filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site. The flight originated from the Vance Brand Airport, near Longmont, Colorado, about 0715. An acquaintance of the pilot reported that the airplane was en route to a fly-in gathering at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport, Casa Grande, Arizona.

A witness, who had about 35 to 40 hours flight experience, reported seeing the airplane flying south over Palmer Lake at a low altitude and low airspeed. He stated that it appeared as if the airplane was making a "low slow scenic pass" over the lake. He said that the airplane was going "pretty slow," but it was flying south into a headwind of about 30 mph. He said that, while flying over the lake, the airplane started a left turn when it was near the south end of the lake at an altitude of about 200 ft above the ground. He said that the turn was about 20° to 30° in bank and that the airplane then "slid" before going out of view behind trees. He stated that as soon as he saw the airplane begin to turn he became very concerned. He drove to the scene and saw the airplane in flames.

Another witness reported seeing the airplane heading south at a low altitude over the north end of the lake. He stated that the airplane seemed to be out of control, back under control, and then it turned toward the north. He speculated that the pilot may have been trying to land on the frozen lake. The airplane then turned to the south again, banked left, and nosedived into the ground.

A third witness reported seeing the airplane flying above the lake. She reported that it seemed to "struggle" and then seemed to level out. The airplane then went out of control again, banked left, nosedived into the ground, and caught fire.

A fourth witness reported seeing the airplane flying southbound over the railroad tracks, about 100 ft above the ground. He stated that the airplane seemed to be floating in the air and did not seem to have a lot of power. He further stated that the airplane was "listing left and right greatly." He saw the airplane turn toward the east just past the lake. The turn appeared to be controlled, and he thought the airplane was possibly trying to land. By this time, the airplane had descended to about 15 to 20 f above the ground. He did not see or hear the impact.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Pilot

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land ratings. The multiengine rating was limited to private pilot privileges. The pilot's most recent third class m