Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On December 13, 2001, approximately 1255 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N73892, operated by McAir Aviation, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during landing at Jeffco Airport, Broomfield, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Broomfield approximately 1230.

According to the pilot, he was making his third practice touch-and-go landing on runway 29R. While on final approach, the wind velocity increased and he maintained "a little power." The indicated airspeed was 65 knots as he flared for landing. The airplane "dropped in" and bounced. He added full power in an attempt to reject the landing, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck two runway signs, and skidded to a halt. Postaccident examination disclosed that both the left main and nose landing gears were torn off and the fuselage was buckled. Recorded wind was from 270 degrees at 13 knots. the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the crosswind.