# NTSB investigations, CO: In flight collision with terrain/water NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 3 · 133 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB DEN08FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08FA003.md): Raytheon C90A · Pagosa Springs, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2007 · N590GM · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, improper in-flight planning and decision making, the dark night, and the controller's failure to issue a safety… - [NTSB DEN07CA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA154.md): Cessna 172R · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2007 · N249FS · Substantial damage > The student pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. - [NTSB DEN07CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA102.md): Eagle RND Helicycle · Erie, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 21, 2007 · N15XH · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the helicopter impacting onto the airport ramp. A contributing factor to the accident was the pilot's failure to establish the landing flare in time. - [NTSB DEN07CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA052.md): Cessna 120 · La Salle, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 17, 2007 · N1670V · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground. Contributing factors included the pilot's intentional low pass and his misjudging his altitude. - [NTSB DEN05FA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05FA126.md): Cessna 425 · Lone Tree, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2005 · N425SG · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to properly execute the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB DFW05FA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA202.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Parker, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2005 · N454MA · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to fly a stabilized instrument approach at night which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors were; the dark night, low clouds, the inadequate design and function of the airport facility’s Minimum Safe Altitude… - [NTSB DEN05FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05FA101.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Marble, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2005 · N44269 · Substantial damage > the pilot's improper decision to perform a go-around, and failure to maintain clearance from terrain and obstacles during a go-around. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's lack of recency of experience and lack of mountain flying… - [NTSB DEN05LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA088.md): Beech S35 · Colorado Spring, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 2005 · N2FY · Substantial damage > the flight instructor and pilot's improper decision to continue the attempted high altitude takeoff when Vy airspeed was not obtained, and failure to abort the takeoff which resulted in an off-field landing and subsequent impact with terrain. A contributing… - [NTSB DEN05FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05FA087.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Telluride, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2005 · N81659 · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident were the high, rising terrain and fatigue. - [NTSB DEN05LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA068.md): Enstrom F-28C · Morrison, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 2005 · N5690K · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the approach which resulted in a landing short of the helipad. - [NTSB DEN05LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA060.md): Piel Emeraude CP-305 · Del Norte, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2005 · N9091 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB DEN04CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04CA085.md): Let Blanik L-13 · Durango, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2004 · N99860 · Substantial damage > the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain, and the low approach. - [NTSB DEN04CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04CA058.md): Eurocopter France EC 130 B4 · Watkins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 8, 2004 · N151AC · Substantial damage > the dual student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Factors contributing to the accident were inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot, the high wind, the gusts, and the crosswinds. - [NTSB DEN03LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA078.md): Bell 206-L4 · Aurora, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 8, 2003 · N70TV · Substantial damage > inadequate infligt planning/decision by the flight crew and the check pilot's failure to initiate remedial action in a timely manner. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's inadequate supervision of the check pilot, the check pilot's lack of recency… - [NTSB DEN03LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA062.md): Hughes 369D · Estes Park, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2003 · N56SM · Substantial damage > the failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include the high density altitude and the pilot-in-command's improper in-flight planning. - [NTSB DEN03FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA059.md): Cessna A185F · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2003 · N53008 · Destroyed > the pilot's poor judgment and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the high winds and downdrafts, and the pilot's self-induced pressure to go home. - [NTSB DEN03LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA053.md): Beech E-90 · Kremmling, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2003 · N711TZ · Substantial damage > the pilot's improper in-flight planning and his failure to maintain safe clearance from the high terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the high terrain and the dark night. - [NTSB DEN03LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA044.md): Cessna 150M · Gateway, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2003 · N714NF · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the snow-covered runway. - [NTSB FTW02FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02FA262.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Chromo, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2002 · N6227J · Destroyed > The flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance with the mountainous terrain during the cross-country flight. A contributing factor was the dark night light conditions. - [NTSB FTW02FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02FA222.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Gypsum, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2002 · N6444J · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to perform remedial action and maintain clearance with the rising mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's poor planning/decision, the rising terrain, and the high density altitude. - [NTSB DEN02LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02LA083.md): Cessna 172S · Georgetown, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2002 · CGKRA · Substantial damage > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning for a flight through high mountainous terrain, and the pilot committing himself to a mountainous flight path where terrain clearance was not possible. Contributing factors were the high density altitude weather… - [NTSB DEN02FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02FA050.md): Beech M35 · Briggsdale, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2002 · N9775R · Destroyed > controlled descent into terrain for reasons undetermined. - [NTSB DEN02FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02FA017.md): Cessna 172K · Boulder, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2002 · N78035 · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional suicidal flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's psychological depressive state, and his use of inappropriate medication. - [NTSB DEN02FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02FA004.md): Cessna T337G · Palmer Lake, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2001 · N45E · Destroyed > the pilot intentionally restricting his external vision (turning his cabin lights up bright to practice night instrument approaches), and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance of the mountain. A contributing factor was the Air Traffic Controller’s… - [NTSB DEN01FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA151.md): Aviat A-1 · Montrose, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2001 · N8HU · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional abrupt maneuver immediately after takeoff and the subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were high density altitude weather conditions, and the airplane improper weight and balance. - [NTSB DEN01LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA130.md): Cessna 172RG · Gunnison, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2001 · N401TA · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to attain the proper climb rate, and his improper inflight planning/decision to attempt to cross mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude. Contributing factors were the downdraft and the pilot's total lack of experience in mountain… - [NTSB DEN01FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA111.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Meeker, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2001 · N5999V · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of his drug induced impairment. A factor was his exceeding the airplane's gross weight limits. - [NTSB DCA01MA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA01MA034.md): Grumman Gulfstream III · Aspen, CO · Accident · 18 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Mar 30, 2001 · N303GA · Destroyed > the flight crew's operation of the airplane below the minimum descent altitude without an appropriate visual reference for the runway. Contributing to the cause of the accident were the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) unclear wording of the March 27,… - [NTSB DEN01FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA066.md): Cessna T210L · Howard, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2001 · N222ED · Destroyed > the pilot's continuation of a VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, and his failure to obtain any in-flight… - [NTSB DCA01MA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA01MA017.md): Beech 200 · Strasburg, CO · Accident · 10 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 27, 2001 · N81PF · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation resulting from his failure to maintain positive manual control of the airplane with the available flight instrumentation. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the loss of a.c. electrical power during instrument… - [NTSB DEN01LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA007.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2000 · N238Z · Substantial damage > Failure by the pilot to follow instrument approach procedures and execute a missed approach when the runway environment was not in sight at decision height. A factor was low ceiling. - [NTSB DEN00FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00FA127.md): Cessna 195 · Aspen, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2000 · N4377V · Destroyed > the pilot's poor in-flight decision to fly up a valley with rapidly rising terrain, which resulted in the airplane colliding with the terrain due to its climb performance being exceeded. A contributing factors was the high, rapidly rising, mountainous terrain. - [NTSB DEN00FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00FA086.md): Smith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601 · Estes Park, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2000 · N7421S · Destroyed > A descent below the surrounding terrain, by the pilot, in IMC conditions. Factors were high mountainous terrain, clouds, inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, and the pilot's flight into IMC conditions. - [NTSB DEN00FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00FA009.md): Cessna 172R · Aspen, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 1999 · N9548A · Substantial damage > the pilot's improper decision to fly directly up the center of the valley and not circle climb to gain sufficient terrain clearance altitude. A factor was inadequate route performance planning by the pilot. - [NTSB DEN99FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA157.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Villa Grove, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1999 · N4366D · Destroyed > The flight instructor's improper inflight decision to enter a narrow blind/box canyon, and his misjudgment of the vertical and lateral clearances. A factor was the downdrafts. - [NTSB DEN99LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA155.md): North American SNJ-4 (AT-6) · Mack, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1999 · N7011C · Substantial damage > The pilot misjudging his distance and altitude from the runway. A factor was the tall crops. - [NTSB DEN99LA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA152.md): Piper PA-25 · Salida, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 1999 · N6249Z · Substantial damage > An inadvertent stall during an aborted landing. A factor was the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for landing. - [NTSB DEN99LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA128.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Limon, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1999 · N4540A · Substantial damage > The pilot's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors were a direct tailwind and high density altitude that deteriorated the airplane's climb capability, and unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing. - [NTSB DEN99FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA113.md): Pitts S-2B · Steamboat Sprgs, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1999 · N321MB · Destroyed > Intentional aerobatics performed by the pilot at an altitude insufficient to make a safe recovery. - [NTSB DEN99LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA101.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1999 · N7556R · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the runway and the environment in which he intended to fly. Factors were high-density altitude and a dirt runway. - [NTSB DEN99FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA051.md): Cessna 172 · Gill, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 1999 · N6085A · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional maneuvering at an unwarranted low altitude resulting in a collision with the ground. Factors were the pilot's ostentatious behavioral display and reduced lighting (dusk) conditions. - [NTSB DEN99LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA032.md): Cessna 182M · Longmont, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 1999 · N555NP · Destroyed > The pilot's poor judgment by intentionally buzzing. A factor was an unfavorable wind that caused inadequate altitude/clearance to maneuver and avoid nearby houses. - [NTSB DEN99FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA016.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Hayden, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1998 · N35533 · Destroyed > The pilot not following instrument procedures and subsequently descended to minimums prematurely. Factors were the mountainous terrain and the falling snow. - [NTSB FTW98LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA379.md): Cessna 150M · Lamar, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1998 · N704DL · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain climb airspeed, and inadvertently allowing the airplane to stall/mush. A factor was the embankment. - [NTSB FTW98LA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA335.md): Cessna 172M · Franktown, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 1998 · N5147N · Substantial damage > Flight at an altitude insufficient to clear terrain. Factors were the pilot's failure to reset or correct a precessing directional gyro, his becoming lost/disoriented, and dark night light conditions. - [NTSB FTW98FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA074.md): Beech A100 · Colo Springs, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1997 · N100BE · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to follow IFR Procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). A related factor was fog. - [NTSB FTW97FA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA340.md): Cessna 182N · Montrose, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1997 · N9043G · Destroyed > Inadequate preflight and in-flight planning, preparation and decision making. A related factor was the improper use of flaps. - [NTSB FTW97FA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA299.md): Beech 58P · Colorado Spring, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1997 · N258W · Destroyed > failure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures; and his failure to maintain proper altitude, while executing a missed approach from an attempted ILS approach. Related factors included: low ceiling, rain, fog, the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability,… - [NTSB FTW97LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA297.md): Beech F33A · Creede, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 1997 · N179DD · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional low altitude flight over mountainous terrain, inadequate altitude to clear surrounding obstacles, and his misjudging vertical clearance. A factor was the pilot's use of an inappropriate chart for navigation. - [NTSB FTW97LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA256.md): Let Blanik L-13 · Pagosa Springs, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1997 · N65378 · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper inflight planning in that he allowed the glider to descend to too low an altitude and stray too far from the airport, exceeding the aircraft's glide capabilities. A factor was his failure to utilize maximum braking action. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=CO&occurrence=230&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CO' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=230&state=CO --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.