Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On July 19, 2007, approximately 0900 mountain daylight time, a Beech C-45H, N9562Z, piloted by an airline transport-certificated pilot, was destroyed when it struck trees and impacted terrain following a dual engine loss of power while maneuvering near Longmont, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The airline transport (ATP) certificated instructor pilot was seriously injured, and the ATP pilot receiving instruction received minor injuries. The flight originated at Platte Valley Airpark (18V), Hudson, Colorado, approximately 0845, and was en route to Boulder Airport (1V5) Boulder, Colorado.

A witness pbserved the airplane flying at low level about 200 feet and descending. It made a turn to the west, leveled off, then descended sharply. The engines appeared to be "stopped." The airplane flew between two large trees, clipping the left tree. The airplane then impacted an open field. Upon impact with the ground, both engines separated from the airframe. The airplane slid across the field, struck a power pole, slid across a road, and came to rest. There was a post-impact fire

According to accident reports submitted by the two pilots, they had planned to fly to Boulder, Colorado, and while en route, they would practice abnormal and emergency procedures. They spent about 1-1/2 hours preflighting the airplane, then departed Platte Valley Airport. During the flight, the right engine was shut down and the propeller feathered. It was subsequently restarted, but the left engine started "running very rough suddenly, and vibrated excessively." The left engine was shut down and the propeller feathered. Level flight was maintained from power produced by the right engine. "Thinking the left engine might still be able to produce thrust, we restarted the left engine," the instructor wrote. Instead of producing thrust, the engine produced more drag so it was secured again. Then the right engine began losing power. Full power was applied but the airplane continued to descend. The instructor's intention was to land on Niwot Road or in the adjacent field. He lowered the landing gear and while the gear was in-transit, the airplane clipped the tops of trees. The instructor was able to guide the airplane between two houses. It impacted an open field, slid 310 feet before bouncing across County Line Road, struck and downed a power pole, and slid another 40 feet before coming to a stop. There was a post-impact fire. The two pilots evacuated the airplane via the main cabin door. The airplane came to rest in the southwest corner of the intersection of County Line Road and Niwot Road (County Road 16).

Upon hearing of the accident, the mechanic who maintained the airplane went out to where the airplane had been parked. There were two pools of oil in the run-up area, and trails of oil l