Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On September 24, 1995, at 1913 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Piper PA-24B-260, N9121P, was destroyed when it collided with terrain near Westcliffe, Colorado. The commercial pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The personal flight, being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, originated at Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 24, 1995, at 1515 Pacific daylight time (PDT). Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and a VFR (visual flight rules) flight plan was filed.

The occupants flew to Las Vegas on September 22, and were returning to Colorado Springs, Colorado, when the accident occurred. The following is based on Federal Aviation Administration documents. On the morning of September 22, at 0913 PDT, a person who identified himself as the pilot of N9121P contacted the Reno Flight Service Station (FSS). He declined a standard briefing but requested a route forecast between Las Vegas and Colorado Springs for the time period of 1400. According to the taped recorded conversation, he was advised of an AIRMET (airman meteorology) for occasional moderate rime icing in clouds and precipitation between 8,000 and 17,000 feet; occasional mountain obscurement in clouds and precipitation, and IFR conditions from Pueblo north to Denver. The briefer told the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended in these areas. The forecast for Colorado Springs throughout the afternoon up until 2100 MDT was for scattered clouds at 1,000 feet and a 2,000-foot overcast, with winds from 090 degrees at 8 knots and gusts to 15 knots, and occasional 1,000 foot overcast conditions and 5 miles visibility in light rain.

Later that afternoon, at 1430 PDT, a person who identified himself as the pilot of N9121P contacted the Reno FSS and filed a VFR flight plan. He indicated he would depart Las Vegas at 1600 PDT and fly direct to Colorado Springs at 11,500 feet (MSL). He indicated the flight would take 4 hours to complete, and that he had 6 hours of fuel on board. When asked by the briefer, the pilot said he was aware of the AIRMET in effect for southern Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.

At 1520 PDT, the pilot contacted Reno FSS and advised he had departed Las Vegas at 1515 PDT and asked that his flight plan be activated. The briefer reminded the pilot of the current AIRMET, adding that there was "some weather in the Rockies" and suggested he get an update. The pilot acknowledged the advisory.

The pilot contacted the Denver Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) at 1814 MDT and reported he was over the Dove Creek, Utah, VORTAC at 11,500 and that it had been "smooth all the way." He requested and was given the current Colorado Springs and Pueblo weather observations, and was advised of the AIRMET that was still in effect. The pilot replied, "...it looks broken up in front of us. We'll let you know later on."

Several residents near the accident site heard a low-flying airplane and the sounds of impact. One witness (who is a pri