Friday, April 05, 2013

Beechcraft C35 Bonanza, N2025D: Fatal accident occurred January 14, 2016 in Meeker, Rio Blanco County, Colorado

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.govN2025D

Location: Meeker, CO
Accident Number: CEN16FA086
Date & Time: 01/14/2016, 0045 UTC
Registration: N2025D
Aircraft: BEECH C35
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On January 14, 2016 about 1745 mountain standard time (MST), a Beech C-35 single-engine airplane, N2025D, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Meeker, Colorado. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was privately owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which departed Provo Municipal Airport (PVU), Provo, Utah, about 1620, with an intended destination of Granby-Grand County Airport (GNB), Granby, Colorado.

Radar data indicated that, after departure, the airplane circled and climbed to an altitude about 12,000 ft mean sea level (msl) in the general area of PVU before turning east toward mountainous terrain. [Note: All radar and/or air traffic control data is reference in ft msl in this report.] The airplane continued to climb as it traveled east, reaching about 14,500 ft about 1641. The airplane maintained between about 14,000 ft and 14,500 ft until about 1653, when it descended to just below 13,000 ft. The pilot contacted air traffic control at 1704, traveling east-southeast, and was issued the current altimeter setting. The airplane continued in the same direction after initial check-in and began a climb again, the airplane had climbed above 18,000 ft by about 1736. At 1736, the controller confirmed the airplane's altitude, advised the pilot he would require an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to fly above 18,000 ft, and asked the pilot if he wanted to file IFR. The pilot responded, "that would be great, I just want to get over (unintelligible) so I can get back down." The controller then asked if the airplane was IFR -equipped and -capable, to which the pilot responded that he was IFR-equipped. The controller subsequently cleared the flight direct to GNB and issued a block altitude between 17,000 ft and 19,000 ft.

Just after the pilot received the block altitude, the accident airplane stopped climbing about 18,400 ft; the controller subsequently asked the pilot if he could maintain 19,000 ft. The pilot responded that he was in the clouds, and the controller again asked if he could maintain 19,000 ft; the pilot responded, "we're getting there." The controller then instructed the pilot to maintain 19,000 ft.

Radar data indicated that, after reaching about 18,700 ft, the airplane abruptly descended to about 17,400 ft, turned to the north, and climbed back up to about 18,500 ft. The controller advised the pilot he observed him turning north asked the pilot if he was okay, to which the pilot responded, "a little bit." Radar data indicated that the accident airplane then turned to the west, descending more rapidly as the airplane entered a right spiral. At the onset of this change in direction and descent, the controller advised the pilot that he observed him in a turn and descending and asked if he was in control, to which the pilot responded, "uh yes."

The controller then advised the accident pilot not to descend lower than 11,000 ft and cleared him to descend and maintain 11,000 ft. The controller advised "that's lowest I can get you." The pilot responded "alright (unintelligible) clear there." The controller advised he did not have any [weather] reports for that area and asked if he was planning to head back to the west, to which the pilot responded, "I'm at seventeen now".

The controller then advised the pilot he observed him doing some "S turns" and asked if he was proceeding to Grandby or heading back to the west. There was no response from the pilot. After two more attempts by the controller to reach the pilot, the pilot responded, "I hear you fine (unintelligible)." About 1744, the controller advised the accident pilot that Meeker airport was at his 3 o'clock and 17 miles, and there was an unintelligible response. There were no further recorded transmissions from the accident pilot.

The last radar target correlated with the accident aircraft was at 1743:33 and about 14,100 ft; however, OpsVue track data continued to record, showing the airplane in a continued descent until 1744:13 and about 10,300 ft before track data terminated. OpsVue is a commercially available web-based flight tracking program. The track is derived from a combination of several surveillance sources that are combined and a "mosaic" type of flight track is produced.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot, age 62, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. The pilot did not have an instrument rating. No pilot logbooks were available for review. On his most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate application, dated November 6, 2015, the pilot reported about 600 total hours of flight experience, with 20 hours in the previous six months. The medical certificate was issued with a limitation that he: must have available glasses for near vision.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

Review of preaccident photographs of the airplane showed the airplane was equipped with a homebuilt oxygen system consisting of two oxygen tanks, two vinyl oxygen masks, and the associated vinyl oxygen supply tubing. The two oxygen tanks were attached to the fuselage wall behind the bulkhead on the left side of the airplane. The oxygen supply tubing attached to each tank and ran forward toward the cockpit area. The valves on the tanks were not able to be accessed to start or stop the flow of oxygen from the cockpit.

The airplane model has a service ceiling of 18,500 feet MSL.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Although the pilot checked weather information prior to flight with Lockheed Martin Flight Service (LMFS), the data and weather information discussed was not able to be retrieved for this investigation. There was no indication that the pilot received any additional weather briefing information before the flight.

At the time and location of the accident, AIRMETs were active for IFR conditions, mountain obscuration, moderate icing below 12,000 ft, and moderate icing between the freezing level and 17,000 ft. The Area Forecast valid at the time of the accident predicted an overcast ceiling at 10,000 ft with layered clouds to 25,000 ft. Visibility of 3 miles, mist, and light snow were forecast through 1700 with visibility increasing to 5 miles with mist after 1700.

Meeker Coulter Field Airport (EEO), Meeker, Colorado, was located about 18 miles east of the accident site, at an elevation of 6,415 ft. The 1653 observation included calm wind, 9 miles visibility, light snow, an overcast ceiling at 3,900 ft agl, temperature -2°C, dew point of -8°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.89 inches of mercury. Remarks included: station with a precipitation discriminator, snow began at 1648, sea level pressure 1018.0 hPa, 1-hour precipitation trace, 6-hour precipitation trace, temperature -2.2°C, dew point -7.8°C, 6-hour maximum temperature of -0.6°C, 6-hour minimum temperature of -6.7°C, and 3-hour pressure increase of 1.0 hPa.

The 1753 observation included calm wind, 10 miles visibility, an overcast ceiling at 4,300 ft agl, temperature -2°C, dew point temperature -7°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.89 inches of mercury. Remarks included: station with a precipitation discriminator, snow ended at 1658, sea level pressure 1017.1 hPa, 1-hour precipitation trace, temperature -2.2°C, dew point temperature -6.7°C.

A North American Mesoscale (NAM) model sounding was created for the accident site for 1700. The sounding indicated a relatively moist vertical environment from 9,000 ft through 15,000 ft. This environment would have been conducive to cloud formation between 9,000 ft and 15,000 ft. The cloud tops likely extended higher, up to 19,000 ft according to satellite imagery and weather radar data. Icing (clear, rime, and mixed) was indicated between 9,000 ft and 14,000 ft. The 1700 MST NAM sounding was also close to saturation between -8°C and -15°C (between 9,000 and 14,000 ft) which is considered a temperature range supportive of the growth of super cooled liquid water droplets.

A more detailed description of the weather in the area of the accident site is available in the Meteorology - Group Chairman's Weather Study Report in the public docket.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane was located in tree- and sagebrush-covered, mountainous terrain about 19.5 miles west of Meeker, Colorado. The terrain elevation in the area varied from 6,200 to 6,400 ft msl. The main wreckage included the fuselage, left wing, engine, and propeller hub. The remaining wreckage was scattered over an area about 0.3 mile north-south by 0.4 mile east-west and was distributed in a manner consistent with an in-flight breakup. The wreckage was examined during recovery and later at a secure storage facility.

Airframe

Control continuity was established from the control yokes through the fuselage to the aft side of the center section rear spar. The right aileron cables fractured from the bell-crank in the right wing and the left aileron cables were cut during recovery. The ruddervator control and autopilot cables remained attached to the ruddervator differential mechanism in the tail and were cut at the forward end of the empennage during recovery. The ruddervator trim cables exhibited a splayed appearance consistent with tension overload. Continuity of the cables from the empennage to the rear spar could not be established because the cables were cut and removed during recovery.

The inboard portion of the right wing was deformed upward and there was diagonal wrinkling of the upper and lower wing skins. All 4 wing attach tension bolts were intact and installed through portions of the bathtub fittings. The fractures at the right wing separation point all exhibited a dull, grainy appearance consistent with overload. The left wing was located with the main wreckage and was partially attached to the fuselage.

The right stabilizer was found about 890 ft northwest of the main wreckage. The right stabilizer and ruddervator were mostly intact with little damage. The right stabilizer spars were fractured through the outboard attach bolt holes with upward deformation on the upper portions of the spars. The right upper stabilizer skin had a cable tear, and there was upward deformation of the leading edge cuff on the fuselage. The inboard half of the left ruddervator, located about 1,695 ft north-northeast from the main wreckage, was separated and recovered in several pieces. The left stabilizer was found about 1,430 feet north of the main wreckage. He left stabilizer had an area of impact damage with missing paint, metal transfer, red paint transfer, scraping and scoring. The left stabilizer forward spar had no obvious deformation, but the rear spar was buckled and deformed aft. There was a cable tear in the root rib in a forward direction and the leading edge cuff was undamaged.

Engine

The engine case was fractured, exposing the internal mechanisms of the engine. The crankcase was impact-damaged, and much of the crankcase structure was not recovered. Several pieces of the left and right crankcase halves remained attached to individual cylinder bases at the cylinder attach points. The crankshaft was bent to the right just forward of the main bearing saddle No. 3. The crankshaft was bent to the left at cylinder No. 5 rod attach point due to impact forces. The accessory case located on the rear of the engine case was not located. The camshaft gear, starter gear and magneto gears were exposed.

The right and left magnetos separated from the engine, but were recovered. It was not possible to identify the orientation of each magneto prior to separation. The magnetos would not rotate manually, so a teardown was performed. All internal components were accounted for. The plastic timing gears were intact, as were coils and point sets.

The left exhaust collector was heavily impact damaged and remained attached to cylinder Nos. 2 and 4 at the cylinder exhaust ports. The collector from cylinder No. 6 separated.

The right exhaust collector separated but was recovered. The collector received heavy impact damage. The exhaust muffler separated from the right exhaust collector and received crushing impact damage. The muffler remained open on both ends and no flame cone was present. The muffler cover was removed and inspected. No cracking or visible leakage was noted between the muffler and cover.

Propellers

Both propeller blades separated during the accident sequence. There was no obvious damage to the leading edges or blade faces. The retention nuts and counterweights remained installed on the blades. There was similar damage to the retention nut and hub threads on both sides, including fractured threads, smeared threads, and flattened areas.

Oxygen System

Two aluminum medical-grade oxygen bottles were found in the wreckage, each with a capacity of 24 cubic feet at 2015 psi. The bottles were removed and the valves on both bottles were found closed. The pressure on one bottle was 600 psi and the other was 1,200 psi.

A more detailed description of the wreckage is available in the Airworthiness Group Factual Report in the public docket.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Pathology Group, P.C., Grand Junction, Colorado, performed an autopsy of the pilot. The cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries. A focal area of 50% stenosis was found in the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery, but the remainder of the examination of the heart and other organs did not identify any natural disease.

The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology testing on specimens of the pilot. The testing identified diazepam and its active metabolite nordiazepam; hydrocodone and its active metabolite dihydrocodeine; norcyclobenzaprine; and zolpidem in liver and kidney. No blood or urine specimens were available for testing. Diazepam, hydrocodone, cyclobenzaprine, and zolpidem are all potentially impairing medications, and each carried performance warnings about their use, particularly in combination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 8-1-2, "Effects of Altitude:"

a. Hypoxia.

1. Hypoxia is a state of oxygen deficiency in the body sufficient to impair functions of the brain and other organs. Hypoxia from exposure to altitude is due only to the reduced barometric pressures encountered at altitude, for the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere remains about 21 percent from the ground out to space.

2. Although a deterioration in night vision occurs at a cabin pressure altitude as low as 5,000 ft, other significant effects of altitude hypoxia usually do not occur in the normal healthy pilot below 12,000 ft. From 12,000 to 15,000 ft of altitude, judgment, memory, alertness, coordination and ability to make calculations are impaired, and headache, drowsiness, dizziness and either a sense of well-being (euphoria) or belligerence occur. The effects appear following increasingly shorter periods of exposure to increasing altitude. In fact, pilot performance can seriously deteriorate within 15 minutes at 15,000 ft.

3. At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 ft, the periphery of the visual field grays out to a point where only central vision remains (tunnel vision). A blue coloration (cyanosis) of the fingernails and lips develops. The ability to take corrective and protective action is lost in 20 to 30 minutes at 18,000 ft and 5 to 12 minutes at 20,000 ft, followed soon thereafter by unconsciousness.

4. The altitude at which significant effects of hypoxia occur can be lowered by a number of factors. Carbon monoxide inhaled in smoking or from exhaust fumes, lowered hemoglobin (anemia), and certain medications can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood to the degree that the amount of oxygen provided to body tissues will already be equivalent to the oxygen provided to the tissues when exposed to a cabin pressure altitude of several thousand feet. Small amounts of alcohol and low doses of certain drugs, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives and analgesics can, through their depressant action, render the brain much more susceptible to hypoxia. Extreme heat and cold, fever, and anxiety increase the body's demand for oxygen, and hence its susceptibility to hypoxia.

5. The effects of hypoxia are usually quite difficult to recognize, especially when they occur gradually.

6. Hypoxia is prevented by heeding factors that reduce tolerance to altitude, by enriching the inspired air with oxygen from an appropriate oxygen system, and by maintaining a comfortable, safe cabin pressure altitude. For optimum protection, pilots are encouraged to use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 ft during the day, and above 5,000 ft at night. The CFRs require that at the minimum, flight crew be provided with and use supplemental oxygen after 30 minutes of exposure to cabin pressure altitudes between 12,500 and 14,000 ft and immediately on exposure to cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 ft. Every occupant of the aircraft must be provided with supplemental oxygen at cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 ft.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/06/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 600 hours (Total, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N2025D
Model/Series: C35 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: D-3376
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2703 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: E185 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 185 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KEEO, 6366 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:  18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 91°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 4300 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -2°C / -7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: PROVO, UT (PVU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: GRANBY, CO (GNB)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries:  N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude:  40.052222, -108.278611

NTSB Identification: CEN16FA086 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Meeker, CO
Aircraft: BEECH C35, registration: N2025D
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On January 14, 2016 about 1745 central standard time (CST), a Beechcraft C-35, N2025D, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Meeker, Colorado. The airplane departed from Provo Municipal Airport (KPVU), Provo, Utah, enroute to Granby-Grand County Airport (KGNB), Granby, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No instrument flight plan had been filed. 

According to preliminary information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, while enroute during the accident flight, the pilot requested flight following from air traffic and requested clearance to fly a higher altitude to stay clear of clouds. After receiving flight following, air traffic control queried the pilot on his change of route and altitude before noticing the airplane descend and losing radar and radio contact. A search and rescue effort was activated and the airplane was found early the following morning in mountainous terrain.


William Ray Hiler
January 3, 1954 ~ January 14, 2016 (age 62)



William Ray Hiler, Tabernash, CO - January 3, 1954 – January 14, 2016. 

Bill passed away at the age of 62. He is preceded in death by his father, Albert R Hiler, and survived by his mother Virginia, sister Treva (Jim Foster) Smith and niece Christina (Don) Peckat. 

Bill Hiler was a man of many passions. He loved skiing and snowboarding. He was passionate about his instruction and remained certified throughout his life. He was also taught a love of flying by his father, Albert, and has remained a competent and passionate pilot for many years. 

Bill loved his dogs and gave them good lives in Grand County. His occupation has been as a General Contractor, where he did many projects in Grand County and the front range. He leaves behind his family members, many friends and associates. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was a faithful member and dedicated leader. The Church is located at 280 11th Street, Granby, CO 80446. Join us to celebrate Bill’s life on Friday, January 29, 2016 a 1:00 p.m


https://www.brownscremationservice.com




MEEKER, Colo. — Police identified William Ray Hiler, 62, of Tabernacle, Colorado, as the pilot of a small plane that crashed in a remote area of northwestern Colorado on Thursday.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office said Monday that Hiler was earlier seen fueling his plane in Provo and that officials believe no one was with him when he left the airport on his way to Grandby, Colorado.

Hiler was an avid pilot and longtime ski and snowboard instructor who came to Utah to teach in the winters, according to friend Jason Arnold.

"He was just a great human being," Arnold said.

Hiler was returning from a trip to Reno, Nevada, when his single-engine Bonanza 35 disappeared from air traffic control radar, according to Arnold.

The crash happened in a remote area of Colorado about 15 miles west of Meeker, according to police. Investigators said a witness reported seeing a plane banking at high altitude and hearing an explosion Thursday evening.

Arnold said Hiler rebuilt his plane himself and equipped it to fly at high altitudes.

Hiler was also a first counselor in the Granby LDS branch presidency, according to Arnold.

"He gave more for more people with no expectation of anything ever in return," Arnold said.

His birthday, Arnold added, was last week.

Story and photo gallery: http://www.deseretnews.com




MEEKER, Colo. — A man killed in a Colorado plane crash was identified by the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office on Monday.

William Ray Hiler, 62, of Tabernash, Colorado, was last seen fueling his plane in Provo, Utah, on Thursday before leaving for Grandby, Colorado, but ultimately crashed near Meeker.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office said the county communications center received a report of a possible plane crash 15 miles west of Meeker, Colorado, around 6 p.m. Thursday. The witness who reported the accident said, "He heard a plane rev its engine, banked twice at a high altitude and then heard an explosion," the sheriff's office said.

The aircraft, reported to be a Beechcraft C35 Bonanza, had a maximum capacity of six, but only Hiler was believed to be on board, authorities said.

The plane was found by search parties on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

The man's family was informed of the loss after the Rio Blanco County Coroner's office made a positive identification.









RIO BLANCO COUNTY – Authorities on Saturday recovered a body from the wreckage of a plane crash first reported on Thursday night near Meeker.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office says the body was transferred to Grand Junction for an autopsy which will be conducted sometime on Monday.

Rio Blanco County Communications Center received a report of a possible plane crash about 6 p.m. Thursday. The person said he heard a plane rev its engines, saw it bank twice at a high altitude and then heard an explosion.

Denver Center Traffic Control confirmed an aircraft, a Bonanza 35 single-engine - had disappeared off the radar. The flight was on its way to Granby from Salt Lake City.

The plane wreckage was removed from the scene by the NTSB with aid provided by the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, The Rio Blanco County Coroner's Office, Rio Blanco County SAR, Meeker Fire & Rescue and the White River Snowmobile Club.

The coroner’s office isn't releasing any information on the identity of the body until notification of next of kin is made.

Source:  http://www.9news.com



A single-engine airplane crashed approximately 15 miles west of Meeker around 6 p.m. Thursday on its way from Salt Lake City to Granby.

First responders located the fuselage and one set of human remains around 10:30 a.m. Friday and believe there was only one casualty in the crash.

“At this time, we are believing that it’s just the one occupant,” Rio Blanco County Undersheriff Brice Glasscock said.

The aircraft is reported to be a Beechcraft C35 Bonanza, which range in occupancy from four to six passengers, depending on the model.

According to a news release from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, “The reporting party stated that he heard a plane rev its engines, banked twice at a high altitude and then heard an explosion.”

Thursday night, one helicopter, seven all-terrain vehicles, 13 snowmobiles and 30 personnel searched an area provided by the National Radar Analysis Team but only found the wing of the plane, part of the propeller and a tire.

The crash site is two miles west of Rio Blanco County Road 5 and County Road 20 on Bureau of Land Management land.

First responders resumed their search of the area at 7 a.m. Friday and secured the wreckage after locating it several hours later.

Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office has notified the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration and the county coroner.

Glasscock said FAA and NTSB investigators are expected to arrive later in the day Friday and take control of examining the scene.

“We’ll be assisting them and so will BLM,” he said.

Responding agencies included Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Classic Air Medical, Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue, Rio Blanco County Road and Bridge Department and BLM

Source:  http://www.craigdailypress.com





A plane that crashed in remote Rio Blanco County Thursday afternoon, killing the pilot, is likely owned by a man previously connected to allegations of hauling more than 42 pounds of marijuana from Colorado to Kansas three years ago.

According to online flight tracking information from FlightAware.com, a single-engine Beechcraft 35 Bonanza airplane owned by William Hiler of Granby took off from Salt Lake City International Airport at 4:25 p.m. and had been expected to arrive at 6:31 p.m. at Granby County Airport.

The site includes coordinates for the end of the flight that correspond with ones provided in a search area map from the Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office, the agency coordinating response to the crash.

The tail number of the airplane identified by FlightAware shows it’s owned by Hiler. A spokesman with the FAA, though, would not confirm the tail number of the plane that crashed until next of kin of the pilot could be notified.

Hiler was arrested in July 2013 — but ultimately acquitted — on suspicion of piloting his 1952 plane loaded with $100,000 worth of high-grade marijuana to an Atchison, Kansas, airport, according to news reports.

Read the full story in the Saturday edition of The Daily Sentinel.



RIO BLANCO COUNTY - A plane reportedly crashed about 15 miles west of Meeker while on its way to Granby from Salt Lake City.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Rio Blanco County Communications Center received a report of a possible plane crash. The person said he heard a plane rev its engines, saw it bank twice at a high altitude and then heard an explosion.

Denver Center Traffic Control confirmed an aircraft, a Bonanza 35 single-engine - had disappeared off the radar. They gave RBCCC the plane's last known coordinates.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office and Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue combed the area. Several small items, such as a plane wing, part of a propeller and one tire were found.

The search for the plane continued at 7 a.m. Friday. The plane's fuselage and other aircraft parts were found. What appeared to be human remains were also found in the primary search area.

The NTSB, FAA and Rio Blanco Coroner's Office will go to the crash scene.

It is unknown at this time how many people were onboard the plane at the time of the crash.

Story and photo gallery: http://www.9news.com




RIO BLANCO COUNTY, Colo.-- Authorities with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office on Friday morning said they found the fuselage, more aircraft parts, and what appeared to be human remains after a plane reportedly crashed Thursday night.

Witnesses reported hearing the engine revving shortly before an explosion around 6 p.m., about 15 miles west of Meeker, according to Brice Glasscock, Undersheriff of the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office.

Police said witnesses called authorities after hearing a plane rev its engines, banking twice and then heard an explosion.

An air traffic control center in Denver told dispatchers the craft was a Bonanza 35 single-engine aircraft with a maximum 4-6 passengers, according to the press release.

Small items, the planes wings, part of the propeller and one tire were located within a one-half mile search area, police said.


The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office secured the area while the search continued Friday morning, and the NTSB will respond to the scene.

Source:  http://www.kjct8.com


MEEKER, Colo. - Searchers have found pieces of a plane after a report of a plane crash on the Western Slope.

Someone called the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office Thursday at 6 p.m. and said they heard a plane rev its engine, then they heard an explosion, near Meeker.

Air traffic controllers at the Denver Center Traffic Control said a plane disappeared from radar and gave deputies the coordinates.

Searchers found a plane's wing, part of a propeller and a tire, but no victims.

The search will continue Friday morning.

The missing plane was reported to be a Bonanza 35 single engine aircraft with room for four to six people. There's no word how many people were on board.

The aircraft was flying from Salt Lake City to Granby, Colorado.

The search area is a half mile in size, about 15 miles west of Meeker.

Story, video and photo: http://www.thedenverchannel.com

Beechcraft C35 Bonanza, N2025D: Marijuana-filled plane leads to arrests: Amelia Earhart Airport (K59), Atchison, Kansas


 
Plane involved in marijuana bust


Saab involved in marijuana bust


 Courtesy: Atchison Police Department


Courtesy: Atchison Police Department


http://registry.faa.gov/N2025D

Story, Video, Photos, Reaction/Comments:   http://www.kctv5.com 

Story and Video:   http://stjoechannel.com

ATCHISON, Kan. — Atchison police officers seized an airplane full of marijuana and busted five people Wednesday at the local airport. 

 Police Chief Mike Wilson said officers worked throughout the night and continue to piece together clues surrounding the incident. Authorities seized 42 pounds of marijuana.

“We developed information that there was a small aircraft headed to Atchison that would have marijuana on it,” Mr. Wilson said. “We also believed there would be a vehicle there to meet them.”

The chief said as information developed during afternoon hours, police officers initiated surveillance at Amelia Earhart Airport.

A 1952 Beechcraft C-35 airplane did land, Mr. Wilson said, and two people were waiting in a car from Kansas City.

“A team of officers converged,” Mr. Wilson said.

There were three people in the plane, all from Colorado. A fourth Colorado resident was waiting in the car with a Kansas City resident.

Arrested at 6:15 p.m. were William R. Hiler, 59, Tabernash, Colo.; Beth A. Branstetter, 22, Kansas City; Lance C. Thompson, 38, Johnstown, Colo.; Daniel L. Brown, 30, Fort Collins, Colo.; and Michael K. Staab, 28, Fort Collins, Colo.

Mr. Wilson said all were taken into custody at the airport, then transported to the Atchison County Jail where they were all booked on possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and no drug tax stamp. Formal charges are pending contingent on Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman’s review of arrest reports.

Mr. Wilson said in addition to the pot, the plane and a 2008 SAAB were also seized. An investigation is ongoing to determine why Atchison was chosen as a landing spot for drug trafficking.

He said it’s not unusual for the department to work drug cases, but it was unusual that a plane carrying drugs apparently bound for Kansas City would stop in Atchison.

“What this group didn’t plan on was running into a smaller (law enforcement) agency that stopped them in their tracks,” he said.

Story:   http://www.newspressnow.com

1 comment:

  1. I see this plane was involved in a drug bust at Amelia Earhart Airport near Atchinson, KS, in April 2013. Hiler was acquitted, but his two passengers and the driver of a car meeting them were convicted.

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