PIPER PA 28-235
De Beque, CO — March 14, 2014
Event Information
| Date | March 14, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN14CA160 |
| Event ID | 20140317X45728 |
| Location | De Beque, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.44972, -108.61000 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28-235 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot had been maneuvering at low altitude below the rim of a canyon in a remote mountainous area and reported that he had done this aerial survey operation in this same canyon several times before. During climb-out from the canyon the airplane failed to achieve enough climb performance to clear the ridge and the airplane impacted terrain at about 8,500 feet mean sea level. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane including the complete separation of the left wing and partial separation of the right wing. The airplane came to rest upright and there was a significant fuel spill, but no postimpact fire. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that in the future he should maintain a higher altitude for flight over the canyon.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.