Analysis
The commercial pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were flying the biplane to a fly-in gathering in another state. Witnesses saw the airplane flying over a frozen lake at a low altitude and low airspeed. One witness saw the airplane "listing" left and right before it entered a left turn, and he lost sight of it. Other witnesses saw the airplane turn left and nose-dive into the ground. A postimpact fire consumed most of the airplane. Damage to the wreckage indicated that the airplane impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. The examination did not reveal evidence of any preimpact anomalies with the airframe, engine, or the control system of the airplane.
A witness reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from the south about 30 miles per hour. However, a burnt area extending east from the airplane's impact point indicated the wind was from the west. Additionally, although wind information from nearby weather stations varied in direction and intensity. One station, about 14 miles west-northwest of the accident site reported calm wind., However, another station, located about 11 miles south of the accident site, recorded wind from the west at 11 knots with gusts to 27 knots about the time of the accident and wind from the west at 33 knots with gusts to 48 knots about an hour after the accident. Further, the forecast for the accident area called for wind gusts to 40 knots from the west-northwest. Therefore, it is likely that strong gusty west winds prevailed in the accident area at the time of the accident.
Although some witnesses speculated that the pilot may have been attempting to land the airplane on the frozen lake, the airplane was not equipped to land on ice, and the reason the pilot was maneuvering at a low altitude in strong gusty winds could not be determined. Based on the witness observations and the damage to the wreckage, it is likely that the pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease to a point where the critical angle of attack was exceeded, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall/spin.
Although the pilot was known to have heart disease, it is unlikely that his medical condition contributed to the accident. The witness observations indicate that the pilot was actively flying the airplane before the loss of control.
Toxicology testing showed the presence of chlorpheniramine in the pilot's blood at a level that was likely in the therapeutic range. Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine available in a number of over the counter products, and it carries the warning, "May impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating heavy machinery)." Because of its sedating effect, chlorpheniramine may slow psychomotor functioning and cause drowsiness. It has also been shown in a driving simulator (after a single dose) to suppress visual-spatial cognition and visual-motor coordinating functions when compared to placebo. Such functions would have been necessary for the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering close to the ground in the strong gusty wind conditions. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot's ability to safely operate the plane was impaired by the effects of chlorpheniramine.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude in strong gusting winds, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of a sedating antihistamine.
Daniel Murray, checking to see if the wings of a 1928 TravelAir biplane are in alignment in June 2012 at his hangar at the Vance Brand Municipal Airport.
Jeffrey Lewis Caplitz
The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado
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.gov/N6464
A picture of Dan Murray flying his popular red plane. Friends said this is how they will remember Murray.
NTSB Identification: CEN16FA116
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 02, 2016 in Palmer Lake, CO
Aircraft: CURTISS WRIGHT TRAVEL AIR 4000, registration: N6464
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
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.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On March 2, 2016, about 0800 mountain standard time, a Curtis Wright Travel Air 4000 airplane, N6464, was destroyed when it impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent near Palmer Lake, Colorado. The pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight; no flight plan had been filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed near the accident site. The flight originated from the Vance Brand Airport, near Longmont, Colorado, about 0715. An acquaintance of the pilot reported that the airplane was en route to a fly-in gathering at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport, Casa Grande, Arizona.
A witness, who had about 35 to 40 hours flight experience, reported seeing the airplane flying south over Palmer Lake at a low altitude and low airspeed. He stated that it appeared as if the airplane was making a "low slow scenic pass" over the lake. He said that the airplane was going "pretty slow," but it was flying south into a headwind of about 30 mph. He said that, while flying over the lake, the airplane started a left turn when it was near the south end of the lake at an altitude of about 200 ft above the ground. He said that the turn was about 20° to 30° in bank and that the airplane then "slid" before going out of view behind trees. He stated that as soon as he saw the airplane begin to turn he became very concerned. He drove to the scene and saw the airplane in flames.
Another witness reported seeing the airplane heading south at a low altitude over the north end of the lake. He stated that the airplane seemed to be out of control, back under control, and then it turned toward the north. He speculated that the pilot may have been trying to land on the frozen lake. The airplane then turned to the south again, banked left, and nosedived into the ground.
A third witness reported seeing the airplane flying above the lake. She reported that it seemed to "struggle" and then seemed to level out. The airplane then went out of control again, banked left, nosedived into the ground, and caught fire.
A fourth witness reported seeing the airplane flying southbound over the railroad tracks, about 100 ft above the ground. He stated that the airplane seemed to be floating in the air and did not seem to have a lot of power. He further stated that the airplane was "listing left and right greatly." He saw the airplane turn toward the east just past the lake. The turn appeared to be controlled, and he thought the airplane was possibly trying to land. By this time, the airplane had descended to about 15 to 20 f above the ground. He did not see or hear the impact.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
Pilot
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and airplane multiengine land ratings. The multiengine rating was limited to private pilot privileges. The pilot's most recent third class medical certificate was issued on June 10, 2013, with the following limitations: "Must wear corrective lenses. Not valid for any class after June 30, 2015." At the time of the accident, this medical certificate had expired for all classes and had not been renewed. The pilot reported having 5,000 hours total flight experience and 50 hours in the 6 months preceding his most recent airman medical examination. The pilot's flight logbooks were not available for review during the investigation.
Pilot-rated Passenger
The passenger held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane ratings. His most recent third class medical certificate was issued on October 14, 2010, with the limitation: "Must wear corrective lenses." At the time of the accident, this medical certificate had expired for all classes and had not been renewed.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The airplane was a 1928 Curtis Wright Travel Air 4000 airplane. It was a two-seat biplane with a conventional (tailwheel) landing gear arrangement. The wings were constructed of wood with a fabric covering. The fuselage used a steel tube structure with fabric covering. A 235-horsepower Wright Whirlwind, model R-760-8, seven-cylinder radial engine powered the airplane.
The most recent aircraft logbooks were not located during the investigation; however, the mechanic who certified the most recent annual inspection reported that it was completed on July 1, 2015.
The type certificate data sheet for the Travel Air 4000 indicated that the airplane was originally equipped with a Wright J-5, 220-horsepower, nine-cylinder radial engine. Research for aircraft specifications relating to the accident airplane did not reveal those for an airplane with the same engine model installation as the accident airplane. Specifications found for a Travel Air 4000 with a 165-horsepower Wright J-6 radial engine were as follows:
Engine: Wright J-6 "Whirlwind" five-cylinder radial, 165 hp at 1,800 rpm
Length overall: 24 ft. 1 in.
Height overall: 8 ft. 11 in.
Wingspan (upper): 33 ft.
Wingspan (lower): 28 ft. 9 in.
Wing chord (upper): 5 ft. 6 in.
Wing chord (lower): 4 ft. 8 in.
Wing area (upper): 171 sq. ft.
Wing area (lower): 118 sq ft.
Gross weight: 2,702 lbs.
Empty weight: 1,695 lbs.
Useful load: 1,007 lbs.
Payload with full fuel (67 gal.): 392 lbs.
Performance with full load
Maximum Speed: 120 mph
Cruise Speed (sl.): 103 mph
Rate of climb: 720 ft. per minute
Surface ceiling: 13,000 ft.
Landing speed: 48 mph.
Normal cruising range: 650 miles
Fuel capacity: 67 gal.
Oil capacity: 6 gal.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
A weather observation station was located at the United States Air Force Academy Airfield (AFF) about 11 miles south-southeast of the accident site at an elevation of about 6,550 ft.
At 0758, AFF reported wind from 250° at 11 knots with gusts to 27 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles or greater, sky clear, temperature of 13°C, dew point temperature of -9°C, and altimeter setting of 29.86 inches of mercury. The remarks section of the observation included peak wind of 33 knots from 220° at 0720.
At 0848, AFF reported a wind from 270° at 33 knots with gusts to 48 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles or greater, squall, sky clear, temperature of 12°C, dew point temperature of -8°C, and altimeter setting of 29.84 inches of mercury.
An Automated Weather Observing System was located at Kelly Air Park (MNH) about 14 miles northwest-west of the accident site at an elevation of about 7,050 ft. At 0756, MNH reported a calm wind, visibility of 10 statute miles or greater, sky clear, temperature of 7°C, dew point temperature of -6°C, and altimeter setting of 29.91 inches of mercury.
An area forecast that included Colorado was issued at 0445. The portion of the area forecast that covered the accident area called for wind gusts of 40 knots from the west-northwest about the time of the accident.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The airplane came to rest on the crest of an embankment near a set of railroad tracks. A debris field was on a bearing of 110° where small articles and a postimpact fire had spread from the impact crater.
The main wreckage came to rest in its impact crater. The propeller was partially driven into the ground with the engine angled and the fuselage lying on the ground. The postimpact fire had consumed nearly all the airplane's fabric and wooden wing spars. Multiple pools of material consistent with solidified molten aluminum were found throughout the wreckage.
The left rudder cable remained attached to the rudder and was traced to an overload break near the aft left rudder pedal. Following the break, the remainder of the broken cable led to the aft left rudder pedal. The right cable remained attached to the rudder and was traced to the right aft rudder pedal. Both rudder cables also remained connected to the tail wheel. Elevator cable continuity was established from the elevator to both control sticks. Both control sticks interfaced with the end caps beneath the cockpit area. The aileron push-pull rods were largely consumed by fire. The remaining pieces had signatures consistent with overload. The end caps near both lower aileron surfaces remained attached to their turnbuckles, and both aileron interconnect rods were traced to the upper aileron surfaces.
The postimpact fire consumed most of the cockpit area, and no gauges could be found. All webbing of the restraint systems was thermally destroyed, and only the metal portions remained. The front seat restraint system was unbuckled at the lap belt connector, but both shoulder harness latches remained in the tongue of the lap belt. The rear occupant restraint system remained latched. The airplane's data plate was not found at the accident site.
The oil screen was fractured loose from the engine and contained soil and rocks consistent with the soil at the accident site; no obviously metal flakes were seen on the screen. The carburetor was fractured from the engine, and bent cowl pieces precluded an on scene examination. Both metal propeller blades remained attached at the flange. The propeller could not be rotated by hand. Both blades remained relatively straight. One blade displayed twisting toward the non-cambered side. When the engine was moved, fuel and oil poured from an area aft of the engine.
Further examination of the engine was conducted after its removal from the accident site. The propeller and fragmented portions of the crankcase were removed to facilitate engine rotation. The engine was then rotated by hand using a tool on the crankshaft splines. Compression was verified on all cylinders, and valve train continuity was established. The engine magnetos had sustained substantial fire damage that precluding testing.
The examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact anomalies with the airframe, engine, or the control system of the airplane.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Pilot
The 77-year old male pilot had a complicated history of coronary artery disease that had required 5-vessel bypass surgery, diabetes, and multiple surgeries. As of his last medical exam, he reported using simvastatin (also called Zocor) and niacin (also called Niaspan) to treat his high cholesterol, metoprolol (also called Lopressor and Toprol) and lisinopril (also called Zestril or Prinivil) to treat his hypertension and prevent a heart attack, and pioglitazone (known as Actos) as well as the combination of sitagliptin and metformin (commonly marketed as Janumet) to treat his diabetes. None of these medications are generally considered impairing.
According to the autopsy performed by the El Paso County Coroner, the pilot's cause of death was a combination of smoke inhalation, thermal burns, and multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was accident. The airways were described as covered in "dense black soot," and the carboxyhemoglobin level measure by the Coroner's office was 19.5%.
Examination of the body for natural disease identified an enlarged heart with previous coronary artery bypass grafts as well as underlying severe atherosclerotic heart disease in the native vessels. Four out of five grafts were widely patent but the graft to the posterolateral circumflex artery was completely thrombosed with hyaline changes on microscopy indicating this had occurred a long time before the accident. The left ventricular free wall contained numerous scattered foci of perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, also indicating ischemia long (months to many years) before the accident. There was no evidence of recent ischemia.
Toxicology testing performed by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, identified a carboxyhemoglobin level of 19% in cardiac blood as well as 0.066 ug/ml of chlorpheniramine and metoprolol. In addition, chlorpheniramine, metoprolol, diphenhydramine, and salicylate (a metabolite of aspirin) were identified in urine.
Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine available in a number of over-the-counter products, and it carries the warning, "May impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating heavy machinery)."
Pilot-rated Passenger
At the time of his last medical exam, the 60-year old male pilot-rated passenger reported no chronic medical issues or any chronic medication use to the FAA.
According to the autopsy performed by the El Paso County Coroner, the pilot-rated passenger's cause of death was blunt force injuries of the chest, and the manner of death was accident. There was no soot in his airways. No significant natural disease was identified by autopsy.
Toxicology testing performed by the El Paso Coroner's Office identified naproxen and one of its urinary metabolites as well as metoprolol in the pilot-rated passenger's urine. In addition, they rated "probable" the finding of chlorpheniramine in urine. Cardiac blood tested negative for ethanol and carboxyhemoglobin. Toxicology testing performed by the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory identified only salicylate (a metabolite of aspirin) in urine.
NTSB Identification: CEN16FA11614 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred March 02, 2016 in Palmer Lake, CO
Aircraft: CURTISS WRIGHT TRAVEL AIR 4000, N6464
Injuries: 2 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 March 2, 2016, about 0800 mountain standard time, a Curtis Wright, Travel Air 4000 airplane, N6464, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following an apparent loss of control near Palmer Lake, Colorado. A postimpact fire ensued. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Vance Brand Airport, near Longmont, Colorado, about 0715. http://registry.faa.gov/N6464
NTSB Identification: CEN16FA116
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 02, 2016 in Palmer Lake, CO
Aircraft: CURTISS WRIGHT TRAVEL AIR 4000, registration: N6464
Injuries: 2 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 March 2, 2016, about 0800 mountain standard time, a Curtis Wright, Travel Air 4000 airplane, N6464, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following an apparent loss of control near Palmer Lake, Colorado. A postimpact fire ensued. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Vance Brand Airport, near Longmont, Colorado, about 0715.
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Denver FSDO-03
A picture of Dan Murray flying his popular red plane. Friends said this is how they will remember Murray, who died in a plane crash Wednesday.
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. - The El Paso County Coroner's Office Monday identified the two people killed in a plane crash in Palmer Lake.
The pilot is Daniel Murray, 77, of Longmont. The passenger is 60-year-old Jeff Caplitz, according to the coroner's office.
A Facebook group for the Longmont airport sent a pictures of Murray flying his well known red plane. The group said Murray is known as the face of the Longmont airport because his plane is featured on its website.
The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the cause. Investigators say wind could have played a role in the crash.
Daniel Murray, checking to see if the wings of a 1928 TravelAir biplane are in alignment in June 2012 at his hangar at the Vance Brand Municipal Airport.A Longmont-based pilot died Wednesday when his antique plane crashed near Palmer Lake in El Paso County, sources confirmed.
The Denver Post reported on Wednesday that a Curtiss Wright Travel Air 4000 crashed Wednesday morning under unknown circumstances, and that two people were on board.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Daniel Murray was listed as the owner of the same model aircraft, a vintage 1928 model. The identity and condition of the other passenger is unknown.
Howard Morgan, president of the Hangar Owners Association at Vance Brand Municipal Airport, confirmed Friday that Murray died in the plane crash on his way to an antique airplay fly-in.
Morgan said Murray had recently turned 76 years old and was well-known in Longmont and at Vance Brand.
"He was a great mechanic, great machinist. He helped a lot of people around the airport with mechanical stuff," Morgan said.
Vance Brand Municipal Airport Manager said Murray would be deeply missed.
"I think he touched a lot of lives at this airport. He had a lot of knowledge about many things and he was a great pilot," Slayter said. "We're very saddened by his loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Murray was well-known for showing off his unique vintage plane. Vintage Airplane Magazine recently profiled and photographed Murray and his TravelAir for their February/March issue. A 2001 article from The Times-Call quotes Murray recounting his career in Hollywood.
"Murray's company, Task Research, helped build Voyager, the airplane that flew nonstop around the world. He also build the airplane used at Disney World in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. The DeLorian cars at Universal Studios' 'Back to the Future' ride are his creations too. So are the Earthquake trains at Universal," the 2001 article said.
Murray used to fly planes or appear as an extra in movies, including "Amelia Earhart: The Untold Story" (1993) and "Amelia Earnhart - The Final Flight" (1994). During his time in Hollywood, Murray rubbed elbows with Kurt Russel, Gene Hackman, Steve McQueen, Tom Cruise, Jay Leno, Cliff Robertson, Shari Belafonte and Matt Jeffries, who designed the Enterprise for "Star Trek" and did work on "Little House on the Prairie," according to the 2001 article.
In 2009, Murray carted his plane from the airport to Main Street, to display it at the Festival on Main.
Brigette Rodriguez, who began volunteering for the airport in 2002, said Murray and his TravelAir plane have long been the face of the Longmont airport.
"He and his plane meant so much to the tight-knight Longmont airport community and the airport really won't be the same without him. There's a long list of Dan's contributions to the city of Longmont. Talk to pretty much any pilot at the airport and they all knew him personally," Rodriguez said via an online interview. "Many people who weren't flyers seemed to gravitate to his shiny red plane and have photos next to it."
Rodriguez said Murray used his plane to take Longmont mayors and other visiting dignitaries from Longmont's Mexican sister city, Ciudad Guzman, for rides.
"I know that he was big on giving and sharing in that way," Slayter said.
Original article can be found here: http://www.timescall.com
Two people were killed in a fiery plane crash in Palmer Lake Wednesday morning.
It will take several days to identify the crash victims, the El Paso County Coroner's Office said Wednesday.
Authorities are investigating the single-engine plane's crash into a field in the northern El Paso County community, Allen Kenitzer said local authorities told him. Kenitzer is the public information officer for the Northwestern Mountain Region of the Federal Aviation Administration.
The plane's make, model and registration is unknown, but it has been identified as a red biplane, according to Eric Weiss, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board.
NTSB is the lead investigating agency, with the help of FAA, and will be working to fill in the gaps surrounding the crash, like where the plane was coming from or heading to, who was inside and what caused the plane to crash, Weiss said. The agency currently could not answer those questions, he said.
"We'll use GPS, iPhones, anything to paint an electronic portrait of the last moments of the flight," Weiss said, confirming two fatalities.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office also has been involved in investigating the crash, but has not released any information, save for a single tweet acknowledging the crash.
The crash happened around 8 a.m., according to Weiss.
Pictures of the crash circulating on social media showed it occurred in a field near a residential community. It also sparked a small grass fire, which some media have reported has been extinguished. A Palmer Lake Fire Department captain said he could not release any information about the crash, including if the grass fire was out.
Soon after the crash, the U.S. Air Force Academy, which sits south of Palmer Lake, confirmed it was not one of their planes, a spokeswoman said. Winds played a factor in the academy deciding not to fly Wednesday, the spokeswoman said.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, winds were expected to be between 15 and 30 mph throughout most of El Paso County. A red flag warning advised about fire danger, but part of the danger is "strong winds," the service said.
The warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District assisted on scene, but could not comment.
No other details were immediately available.
Original article can be found here: http://gazette.com
Investigators look over the scene of a small plane crash near Palmer Lake, Colorado on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. Two people were onboard the single-engine plane when it crashed into a field. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office and Palmer Lake Police Department responded to a plane crash around 8:22 a.m.Authorities are investigating a fiery plane crash in Palmer Lake Wednesday morning.
Two people were onboard the single-engine plane when it crashed into a field in the northern El Paso County community, Allen Kenitzer said local authorities told him. Kenitzer is the public information officer for the Northwestern Mountain Region of the Federal Aviation Administration.
The plane's make, model and registration is unknown, but it has been identified as a red biplane, according to Eric Weiss, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board.
NTSB is the lead investigating agency, with the help of FAA, and will be working to fill in the gaps surrounding the crash, like where the plane was coming from or heading to, who was inside and what caused the plane to crash, Weiss said. The agency currently could not answer those questions, he said.
"We'll use GPS, iPhones, anything to paint an electronic portrait of the last moments of the flight," Weiss said, confirming two fatalities.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office also has been involved in investigating the crash, but has not released any information, save for a single tweet acknowledging the crash.
The crash happened around 8 a.m., according to Weiss.
Pictures of the crash circulating on social media showed it occurred in a field near a residential community. It also sparked a small grass fire, which some media have reported has been extinguished. A Palmer Lake Fire Department captain said he could not release any information about the crash, including if the grass fire was out.
Soon after the crash, the U.S. Air Force Academy, which sits south of Palmer Lake, confirmed it was not one of their planes, a spokeswoman said. Winds played a factor in the academy deciding not to fly Wednesday, the spokeswoman said.
According to the National Weather Service out of Pueblo, winds were expected to be between 15 and 30 mph throughout most of El Paso County. A red flag warning advised about fire danger, but part of the danger is "strong winds," the service said.
Gusts could reach up to 40 mph, the service said. The warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District assisted on scene, but could not comment.
Original article can be found here: http://coloradosprings.com
Audrey Kimsey said she ran to her window and saw a small aircraft engulfed in flames. She described the crash site as being just off Highway 105 near the south side of Palmer Lake, close to the railroad tracks.
"I was sleeping," witness Mary Martindale told 11 News. "I was in bed and I heard the crash...I ran to the deck and I saw it engulfed in flames. I called 911. ... It got into flames so quickly. It was really loud...I thought the train had derailed."
Martindale was one of many who called for help.
"At approximately 8:01 a.m., the El Paso County Sheriff's Office communications center started receiving 911 telephone callsreferencing the crash of a small aircraft," EPSO Sgt. Shane Mitchell said.
By the time emergency crews got on scene, flames had spread to surrounding grass.
"Once it engulfed in flames, it was so windy all the grass right there caught on fire. I was so glad the wind was going in the opposite direction, 'cuz I think it could have taken out some homes too," Martindale said.
The fire burned about a quarter of an acre before firefighters got it out. Mitchell credited the quick response for keeping the fire from spreading further.
"Anywhere from five to potentially eight different agencies with different activities that they perform...arrived in the area. The response time was very, very quick and that’s what most likely what saved this fire from spreading any further than what it did.
"We've had high wind warnings in the area along with fire alerts for the last several days because of the wind blowing in the area...along with the dry fuels that are in the area.
"The Palmer Lake Fire Department did an excellent job getting to the scene quickly and extinguishing that fire before it became a threat to any civilians or any residents."
Mitchell said the plane was nearly obliterated in the fire, leaving authorities unable to identify the plane or anything about victims.
"The plane is a complete loss due to the fire. We are unable to identify a tail number and whether there were any victims or how many victims there might be."
The Air Force Academy tells 11 News it was not one of their aircraft.
Though he couldn't comment on the victims, Mitchell confirmed the county coroner's office had been called to the scene.
Kimsey and Mitchell both commented on how the tragedy could have been even worse: the plane crashed in a highly residential area, just a few hundreds yards from the crash site.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating the crash. It's too early to know what caused the crash, but several eyewitnesses stated that the pilot appeared to lose control just before it went down. Kimsey said from her vantage point, the pilot looked like he or she was trying to land on a trail.
Original article can be found here: http://www.kktv.com
The plane went down just after 8 a.m. near homes on the south side of the lake, witnesses said. A small grass fire started, but firefighters were able to extinguish it.
Authorities said they are unable to identify the tail number or whether there are any victims because there is little left of the plane.
Police in Palmer Lake are handling the crash and the sheriff's office is assisting.
Original article can be found here: http://kdvr.com
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. - A small airplane crashed on the southeast side of Palmer Lake Wednesday morning. It's unknown if anyone survived.
"The plane is a complete loss due to the fire. We are unable to identify a tail number and or whether or not there were any victims," said Sgt. Mitchell with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
The plane went down south of the railroad tracks that run through the northwestern El Paso County town.
The plane burst into flames after the crash. The fire spread into nearby grass, but firefighters were able to contain it. The fire burned less than a quarter of an acre.
"The Palmer Lake Fire Department did an excellent job getting to the scene quickly and extinguishing the fire before it became a threat to any civilians," said Mitchell.
The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the cause. Investigators say wind could have played a role in the crash.
"We've had high wind warnings in the area along with fire alerts for the last several days," said Mitchell.
Roger Moseley, a Palmer Lake resident and former Air Force test pilot saw the crash.
"I assume it was a loss of control due to turbulence or some other issue like an engine failure or even a medical issue. It's just a very unusual place to impact the ground," said Moseley.
Moseley says errors are common on windy days.
"There was a lot of wind out of the north and coming across the mountains through this path that would be quite turbulent. So if the pilot was trying to sneak over that low spot, that could have been a problem," said Moseley.
Mosely says even if the pilot was experienced, it may not have been avoidable.
"It's amazing how you can get trapped, even an experienced pilot or someone like me used to flying high performance airplanes, you can make some very tragic errors," said Mosely.
Original article can be found here: http://www.krdo.com
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