Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On September 20, 2003, approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N41698, piloted by an airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted into a ravine during a go-around at a private airstrip, 12 miles north of Byers, Colorado. The pilot and passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight originated at Watkins, Colorado, at 1200.

The pilot reported he was attempting to land to the west on the airstrip when he encountered a tailwind. The pilot reported he initiated a go-around, but had to turn south to avoid a large tree at the end of the airstrip, and a group of people on the north side of the airstrip. The airplane's right main landing gear contacted the ground. The airplane slid down an embankment and nosed-over.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at the scene. The inspector reported that the airplane's right wing was broken aft and down at the wing/fuselage attach points. Both wing struts were broken. The right main landing gear leg was bent aft. The propeller showed torsional bending and chordwise scratches. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

At 1253, Denver International Airport, 22 nautical miles west of the accident site, reported winds as 100 degrees magnetic at 11 knots. The pilot not maintaining adequate clearance from the ground and his improper in-flight planning/decision. Factors contributing to the accident were the tailwind, the low altitude, the tree, the people, the embankment, and the ravine.