Pilot Debrief

BEECH B60 near Edwards, CO — 2010-12-15

Final reportCEN11FA110
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Date
2010-12-15
Location
Edwards, CO, USA
Airport
KEGE
Aircraft
BEECH B60
Registration
N571M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Controlled flight into terrain, while on an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The air traffic controller had cleared the flight for the instrument approach and the pilot acknowledged the clearance. Radar data depicted the airplane turning toward the final approach course and then continuing the turn 180 degrees before disappearing from radar at 11,200 feet. The wreckage was located at an elevation of 10,725 feet. Examination of the terrain and ground scars indicated the airplane impacted terrain in a nose down, right turn. Impact forces and a postimpact fire resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Examination of the airplane, engines, and de-icing systems revealed no mechanical anomalies. Weather at the time of the accident was depicted as overcast skies, reduced visibility, with snow showers in the area. An icing probability chart depicted a probability of moderate rime and mixed icing. Both AIRMETs and SIGMENTs advised of moderate icing between the freezing level and flight level 220 and occasional severe rime and mixed icing below 16,000 feet. During his weather briefing, the pilot stated that he was aware of the adverse weather conditions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not establish communications with Eagle Tower after ATIS instruction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 18 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents18

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