# NTSB FTW97LA238: Cessna 305A, N5225G, Watkins, CO, June 27, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1997, 19:45 local (Jun 27, 1997, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Watkins, CO
- Coordinates: 39.749206, -104.600502 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7492&lon=-104.6005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 2, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA238
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA238

## Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane at an altitude insufficient for a safe recovery.  A factor was the tailwind.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

The pilot took off into a 20 to 25 mph headwind, turned downwind, snagged a banner he intended to tow, applied full power, and leveled the airplane.  The pilot said the airplane began to vibrate and lose power and continued until ground impact.  Witnesses said the airplane stalled.  The pilot later told his insurance adjuster that the vibration was 'a classic initiation of a stall.'

## Factual narrative

On June 26, 1997, approximately 1945 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 305A, N5225G, registered to Banner Advertising, Inc., was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering at Aurora, Colorado.  The commercial rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the business flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  The flight was originating.

According to airport personnel, the pilot took off from the Aurora Airpark (01V) on runway 14 into a 20 to 25 mph headwind.  He then turned downwind, snagged a banner he intended to tow, applied full power, and leveled the airplane.  According to the pilot's report, "the aircraft began to vibrate wildly and lose power.  The vibration and lack of power continued until the airplane impacted the ground at a 30 degree angle."

According to witnesses, however, the airplane stalled and impacted a field adjacent to the airpark.  The pilot later told his insurance adjuster that the vibration was "a classic initiation of a stall."

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the airplane was being used in commercial operations, but had not received regular 100-hour inspections.

The wing spar was broken, the firewall was buckled, and the ailerons and right main landing gear were twisted and bent.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5225G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 305A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21898
- Airframe hours: 8034
- Engines: Continental O-470-11 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Banner Advertising, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 7, 1996, 228 hours before
- Departed: 01V
- Airport: 01V, Aurora Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 5,000 total, 2,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 70 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BKF, 5 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 19970627016039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970627016039A), Jun 27, 1997: Cessna 305A, Aurora, CO, Substantial damage. Aircraft took off after hooking banner. Felt vibration, attempted to land, crashed in a field.

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.

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