# NTSB CEN09LA056: Cessna 182M, N71276, Basalt, CO, November 11, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 11, 2008, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: Basalt, CO - Coordinates: 39.382221, -106.556945 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3822&lon=-106.5569&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report December 20, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO, NTSB, Teledyne Contential Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 69432 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09LA056 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69432/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=69432 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA056 ## Probable cause The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane in flight. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Ceiling/visibility/precip: below VFR minima](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035075): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035075/cases.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 184 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035075/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: qualification/certification](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 392 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md) - [Enroute-cruise: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 182M, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072728), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The single-engine airplane went missing and was the subject of an ALNOT (Alert Notification). The following day, the airplane wreckage was located in rugged terrain. An initial on-site examination was conducted; however, due to the remote location of the site, the rugged terrain, and deep winter snow, the airplane was not recovered until late the following summer (approximately 9 months later) for a more detailed examination. A review of the airplane’s radar track showed that the airplane was heading westbound at an altitude of 14,800 feet before disappearing from radar. Prior to the last radar contact at 1530, the airplane appeared to be in a rapid decent indicative of having lost control. Examination of the airplane wreckage showed extensive fragmentation and aft crush damage to the forward fuselage and both wings. Flight control continuity was confirmed and no pre-impact anomalies were discovered with the airplane. Prior to departure, the non-instrument-rated pilot received a standard weather briefing from the Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS). The briefing included an advisory for mountain obscuration and icing conditions along his intended route, and recommended against Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight. Later, the pilot contacted AFSS and received a standard briefing, which included an advisory for mountain obscuration. The briefing also included forecasts for several locations en route which indicated VFR conditions prevailed at those locations, but with multiple layers of clouds. A review of the weather conditions near the site at the time of the accident indicated that the airplane was over an overcast layer of clouds and was likely in instrument meteorological conditions and exposed to icing conditions. ## Factual narrative On November 11, 2008, about 1530 Mountain Standard Time, a single-engine Cessna 182, N71276, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a loss of control while in cruise flight near Basalt, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant on board the airplane, was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. A flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. The 260-nautical mile planned cross-country flight originated from the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), Denver, Colorado, with Carbon County Regional Airport (PUC), Price, Utah, as its intended destination. The airplane was the subject of an ALNOT (alert notice) for a missing airplane and a search was initiated. The airplane was located on November 12, 2008, inside the Holy Cross Wilderness area, in rugged terrain. Due to the remote location and winter snow, the airplane was not recovered until July, 2009. Photographs taken of the accident site revealed that the airplane appeared to impact terrain at a steep angle and at a high rate of speed. The airplane's cabin area appeared extensively crushed and buckled along with the engine/propeller, and situated over a small impact crater. Both wings, along their entire span, in front of and aft of the main wing spar, displayed aft accordion crushing. A review of the airplane’s radar track showed the airplane heading westbound at an altitude of 14,800 feet. Prior to disappearing from radar at 1530, the airplane appeared to make a rapid descent. There was no reported communication or distress calls from the accident pilot. Prior to departure, at 0724 the pilot received a standard weather briefing from the Denver Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS). The briefing included the advisory for mountain obscuration and icing conditions over his intended route and that Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Later, about 1412 the pilot contacted AFSS, and received a standard briefing, which included an advisory for mountain obscuration. The briefing also included forecasts for several locations en route which indicated VFR conditions prevailed at those locations, but with multiple layers of clouds. At 1553, the automated weather observing system at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport/Sardy Field (ASE), Aspen, Colorado, (approximately 17 miles southwest of the accident site) reported calm wind, 10 miles visibility, a broken clouds at 2, 400 feet, and overcast sky at 6,000 feet, temperature 35-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 29-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of Mercury. At 1553, the automated weather observing system at the Lake County Airport, Leadville, Colorado, (approximately 17 miles southeast of the accident site) reported wind 010 degrees, at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots, 8 miles visibility in light snow, a few clouds at 2,300 feet, a ceiling broken at 3, 500 feet, and overcast sky at 4,700 feet, temperature28-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 19-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.07 inches of Mercury. At 1538, the NWS Copper Mountain observation system,(located approximately 21 miles east of the accident site) reported, wind conditions at 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots a quarter-mile visibility in light snow, an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, temperature 17-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 12-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of Mercury. At 1555, the observation system was reporting; wind at 280 degrees at 8 knots, three-quarters a mile visibility in light snow, an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, temperature 17-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 12-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of Mercury. The pilot/owner held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane, single-engine land. The pilot did not possess an instrument rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued May 12, 2007. A review of the records indicated that the pilot purchased the airplane in May 2008. The pilot's total flight time and time in aircraft type was not determined. An examination of the aircraft wreckage was conducted by the NTSB on November 9, 2009. Most of the airplane from the cabin area aft had disintegrated during the accident sequence. All four corners of the aircraft were accounted for. The fuselage, wings, engine, landing gear and, empennage structure were identified along with all of the control surface structures. Much of the instrument panel and gauges were destroyed; the airspeed needle indicted red line (maximum airspeed), the altimeter read 11,400 feet at a setting of 30.28. The wing flaps showed to be in the retracted position. An examination of the flight control components revealed breaks and fractures consistent with overload separation. The engine displayed significant damage and the crankshaft could not be rotated. The engine accessories, all exhibited impact and heat damage. The engine case displayed cracking and there was a separation of the left front cylinder, all consistent with impact damage. The propeller hub remained attached to the engine crankshaft flange. The crankshaft had broken in two near the forward journal. The two propeller blades were found in the propeller hub. Both propeller blades were bent aft and deeply gouged. No pre impact anomalies where noted with the airframe or engine. No evidence of an in-flight fire was noted with either the fuselage or engine areas. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by, The Pathology Group, P.C., Grand Junction, Colorado, on November 14, 2008. The Medical Examiner listed the cause of death for the pilot as, "blunt force injuries." Forensic toxicology was performed on specimens from the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicology test reported that ethanol was detected in the liver, muscle, kidney, brain, and heart. The test also detecteddiphenhydramine in the liver and kidney. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N71276](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N71276-2013-05-03), registration cancelled 2013-05-03, S/N 18259558, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 182M - Registry model: [Cessna 182M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182m) (registry code 2072728) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18259558 - Airframe hours: 3840 - Engines: Continental O-470 Series 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 3, 2008 - Departed: BJC, Denver, CO - Destination: PUC, Price, UT - Flight plan: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; toxicology performed ## Weather - Conditions: Not reported - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 240 ft broken - Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.09 inHg - Observed at: KASE, 17 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20081111851169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081111851169A), Nov 11, 2008: Cessna 182M, Leadville, CO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) On 11 November 2008 at 14:42 MST, aircraft N71276, CE-182M, piloted by [privacy data omitted] crashed in a heavily wooded area. Approximately 16 miles… ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 25, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=69432. 3.9 MB in all. - Meteorology 5 - Factual Report of Group Chairman (item 1, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40307387&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorology%205%20-%20Factual%20Report%20of%20Group%20Chairman-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 2, .PDF, 235 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321696&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Redacted.PDF - Radar track A (item 3, .PDF, 251 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321686&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Radar%20track%20A-Master.PDF - Radar track B (item 4, .PDF, 249 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321687&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Radar%20track%20B-Master.PDF - Radar track C (item 5, .PDF, 211 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321688&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Radar%20track%20C-Master.PDF - Radar track D (item 6, .PDF, 221 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321689&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Radar%20track%20D-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 7, .PDF, 128 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321690&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 8, .PDF, 89 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321695&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Photo: Accident site 1 (item 9, .PDF, 96 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321697&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3A%20Accident%20site%201-Master.PDF - Photo: Accident site 2 (item 10, .PDF, 165 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321698&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3A%20Accident%20site%202-Master.PDF - Photo: Accident site, summer 1 (item 11, .PDF, 146 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321699&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3A%20Accident%20site,%20summer%201-Master.PDF - Photo: Accident site, summer 2 (item 12, .PDF, 188 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321700&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3A%20Accident%20site,%20summer%202-Master.PDF - Photo:Wreckage N71276 (item 13, .PDF, 156 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321701&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3AWreckage%20N71276-Master.PDF - Photo: N71276, Propeller (item 14, .PDF, 141 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40321702&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%3A%20N71276,%20Propeller-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- 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.