Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On July 19, 1998, at 1615 mountain daylight time, a Navion G, N2498T, was destroyed following a loss of engine power while landing at Telluride Regional Airport, Telluride, Colorado. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by the owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that originated from Grand Junction, Colorado, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated approximately 30 minutes before the accident.

According to the pilot, he was on final approach to runway 27. When he added power, the "engine quit." The aircraft landed short of the runway, impacting trees. The left wing was sheared off, the right wing was destroyed, the fuselage was split at the empennage, the engine was separated from the firewall, and the landing gear was destroyed.

Examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction within the engine. The inspector did find that the spark plugs were coated with a white carbon like material. The aircraft fuel system was compromised during impact and verification of fuel on board at the time of the accident could not be established. Pilot operating the aircraft with an overly lean mixture. A factor was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.