Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver FSDO; Denver, Colorado
Textron Aviation; Wichita, Kansas
Lycoming Engines; Milliken, 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
Location: Berthoud, CO
Accident Number: CEN17FA111
Date & Time: 02/27/2017, 0741 MST
Registration: N2461N
Aircraft: CESSNA 172S
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional
On February 27, 2017, about 0741 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172S airplane, N2461N, collided with a reservoir while maneuvering near Berthoud, Colorado. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned by McAir Aviation, LLC, and was operated by the company under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local instructional flight that departed Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado, at 0724.
According to the operator, the purpose of the flight was for the pilot receiving instruction to demonstrate his ability to enter and recover from aerodynamic spins as part of his required training toward a flight instructor certificate.
According to a review of air traffic control radar track data, the first radar contact with the airplane was at 0724:01 shortly after it departed runway 30R at BJC. After takeoff, the airplane proceeded north toward Longmont, Colorado. At 0734:30, the airplane crossed over Colorado Highway 66 at 10,000 ft mean sea level (msl). At 0736:12, the airplane was about 1 mile east of the Highland Reservoir No. 2 at 10,300 ft msl. According to calculations based on radar data, the airplane turned to a westerly course as the ground speed decreased below 40 knots. Between 0736:53 and 0737:07, the airplane descended from 10,300 ft msl to 9,300 ft msl, and the calculated average descent rate was about 4,300 ft per minute during the 14 second descent. Following the rapid descent, the airplane entered a climb to 10,800 ft msl and completed a turn from an east course to a west course. At 0740:35, about 1 mile south of the Culver Reservoir (also known as Blue Mountain Reservoir), the airplane completed a 90° right turn, and the ground speed decreased below 40 knots. Between 0741:03 and 0741:40, the airplane descended from 10,800 ft msl to 6,800 ft msl, and the calculated average descent rate was about 6,500 ft per minute. The last radar data point was at 0741:40 at 6,800 ft msl when the airplane descended below available radar coverage (about 1,700 ft above the ground).
A witness reported that she was outside feeding her horses when she observed the airplane flying overhead. She reported hearing a reduction in engine power before seeing the airplane pitch nose-down and enter a spin toward the ground. She stated that the airplane completed about 5 turns in the spin before it descended below a tree line located between her position and Culver Reservoir. She reported that the airplane rotated slowly throughout the spin maneuver and that she did not hear the engine regain power. The witness also indicated that it was very common for airplanes to complete similar maneuvers in the airspace near her property.
Another witness reported that he initially heard the airplane overfly his residence. He stated that he heard a reduction in engine power and then saw the airplane through a window descending nose-down in a spin. The witness reported that the airplane was rotating slowly during the spin maneuver. He also noted that he did not observe any smoke or flames coming from the airplane. The airplane descended below a tree line located between his residence and Culver Reservoir. Although the witness did not see the airplane impact the reservoir, he reported hearing a sound consistent with a ground impact.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 23, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/06/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/31/2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 550 hours (Total, all aircraft)
Flight Instructor Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 58, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/24/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/30/2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 6678.5 hours (Total, all aircraft)
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the 58-year-old flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His last aviation medical examination was on June 24, 2016, when he was issued a second-class medical certificate with a limitation to have glasses available for near vision. A search of FAA records showed no previous accidents, incidents, or enforcement proceedings. He was employed by McAir Aviation as the chief pilot in charge of flight instruction. On June 30, 2016, the FAA renewed his chief pilot authorization following an oral examination and checkride in a Cessna 172S. The operator reported that the flight instructor had a total flight experience of 6,678.5 hours.
According to FAA records, the 23-year-old pilot receiving instruction held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. The commercial pilot certificate was issued on August 31, 2016. His last aviation medical examination was on January 6, 2015, when he was issued a third-class medical certificate with no limitations or restrictions. A search of FAA records showed no previous accidents, incidents, or enforcement proceedings. A pilot logbook was not recovered during the investigation; however, according to his father, the pilot receiving instruction had about 550 hours total flight experience of which about 400 hours had been flown during the previous year.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N2461N
Model/Series: 172S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S10043
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/12/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 52 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4703 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: McAir Aviation, LLC
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: McAir Aviation, LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)
The 2005-model-year airplane, serial number 172S10043, was a high-wing monoplane of aluminum semi-monocoque construction. The airplane was powered by a 180-horsepower, 4-cylinder, Lycoming IO-360-L2A reciprocating engine, serial number L-31665-51A. The engine provided thrust through a fixed-pitch, two-blade, McCauley model 1A170E/JHA7660 propeller, serial number ZF23025. The airplane was equipped with a fixed tricycle landing gear and wing flaps and had a certified maximum gross weight of 2,550 pounds. The FAA issued the airplane a standard airworthiness certificate on November 29, 2005.
According to dispatch documentation, the airplane's hour meter indicated 6,053.7 hours before the flight. The airplane's hour meter indicated 6,054.2 hours at the accident site. At the time of the accident, the airframe had accumulated a total service time of 4,703 hours. The engine had accumulated a total service time of 5,994.6 hours since new and 1,862 hours since its most recent overhaul on December 21, 2012. The propeller had accumulated a total service time of 4,703 hours and 1,862 hours since its most recent overhaul on January 4, 2013. The last annual inspection of the airplane was completed on October 25, 2016, at 4,552.1 total airframe hours. A 100-hour inspection was completed on January 12, 2017, at 4,651.2 total airframe hours. The rudder return springs were replaced on January 24, 2017, at 4,668.8 total airframe hours. The rear bench seat and rear seat restraints were removed on February 13, 2017. A postaccident review of the maintenance records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues.
The airplane had two fuel tanks, one located in each wing, and a total fuel capacity of 56 gallons (53 gallons usable). According to dispatch records, the airplane departed with 27 gallons of fuel.
The dispatch records included a weight-and-balance calculation worksheet for the flight. According to the worksheet, the combined weight of the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction was 325 pounds; the airplane departure weight was 2,173.5 pounds; and the calculated moment arm was 40.3 inches aft-of-datum. The postmortem weights of the flight instructor and the pilot-receiving-instruction were 204 pounds and 150 pounds, respectively. A postaccident weight-and-balance calculation, using the postmortem weights and a fuel consumption rate of 11 gallons per hour, established that the airplane was operating within the constraints of the utility category at the time of the accident.
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FNL, 5016 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0756 MST
Direction from Accident Site: 30°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Clear Air / Clear Air
Wind Direction: 50°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: Moderate / Moderate
Altimeter Setting: 29.68 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -7°C / -9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bloomfield, CO (BJC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Bloomfield, CO (BJC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0724 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E
A postaccident review of available meteorological data established that day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. The nearest aviation weather reporting station was located at Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL) about 15 miles north-northeast of the accident site. At 0756, about 15 minutes after the accident, the FNL automated surface observing system reported wind 050° at 5 knots, 10 miles surface visibility, a clear sky, temperature -7°C, dew point -9°C, and an altimeter setting 29.68 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 40.267222, -105.154167
The airplane wreckage was found partially submerged in Culver Reservoir at an altitude of 5,142 ft msl. Airbags were used to float the airplane to the shore where it was subsequently recovered by a crane. All major structural components and flight controls remained intact. The aileron and flap control cables were disconnected at the wing root turnbuckles by the salvage company before the wings were removed for transport. The elevator and rudder cable circuits were not disconnected during wreckage recovery.
The leading edge of the right wing was crushed upward and aft to the front spar about 45°. The leading edge of the left wing was crushed flat. The aft fuselage and tail cone were compressed on the right side and buckled slightly outward on the left side. The engine was compressed up and aft into the firewall. Aileron control cable continuity was established from the left and right aileron bell cranks to the center wing area where they had been disconnected to facilitate recovery of the wreckage. The aileron autopilot roll servo cables remained on the capstan and attached to the bell crank. The aileron cables remained installed on the left and right control column sprockets and were wrapped around the interconnect pulley. A measurement of the wing flap actuator was consistent with the flaps being fully retracted at impact.
Elevator control cable continuity was established from the forward elevator bell crank to the aft elevator bell crank. The forward elevator bell crank was bent due to floor compression damage that was sustained during impact. The elevator autopilot pitch servo cables were on the capstan, and the bridal cables remained attached to the control cable. Rudder control cable continuity was established from the rudder torque tubes to the rudder horn. The rudder stops exhibited normal wear signatures. The rudder return springs remained attached to the rudder assemblies, and no anomalies were observed with their installation. The rudder torque tube bearing block covers exhibited fracture features consistent with impact-related damage. The parking brake cable on the left side left brake pedal was fractured. The pilot side left brake master cylinder connection rod was fractured near the brake pedal attachment.
The examination did not identify any foreign object debris within the cabin, cockpit, wings, or the aft fuselage that would have limited full movement of the flight controls during the flight. Both structural seat pans exhibited downward deformation. A headset bag was located under each of the cockpit seats, and the headset bags were trapped by the deformed seat pans. A fuel sample that was obtained from the fuel strainer assembly tested negative for water contamination using water-detection paste. The postaccident airframe examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation during the flight.
The engine had partially separated from the firewall. The top spark plugs, valve covers, and all rear accessories were removed to facilitate the examination. Mechanical continuity was confirmed from the engine components to their respective cockpit controls, with exception of the mixture control rod end that had separated at the shaft but remained connected to the mixture control arm. The fracture of the mixture control rod end exhibited features consistent with an overstress failure. Internal engine and valve train continuity were established as the crankshaft was rotated. Compression and suction were observed on all cylinders in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. The top spark plugs exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. A borescope inspection revealed no anomalies with the cylinders, valves, pistons, or lower spark plugs.
There were no obstructions observed between the air filter housing and the fuel servo. The exhaust was crushed upward and aft. The intake tubes for cylinders nos. 1 and 2 were found displaced aft from impact damage. The residual water was cleaned out of both magnetos with contact cleaner and compressed air. A spark was produced on all posts when each magneto was rotated by hand. The fuel flow divider, flow transducer, and fuel hoses were clear of contaminates. No anomalies were noted with the mechanical fuel pump when it was operated by hand. The fuel flow divider contained fuel. The oil pickup screen was free of contamination.
The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. One blade was found relatively straight, and the other blade was bent slightly aft. Neither propeller blade exhibited chordwise scoring, rubbing, or burnishing. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal engine operation during the flight.
Medical And Pathological Information
The Larimer County Medical Examiner's Office, Loveland, Colorado, performed autopsies on the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction. The cause of death for both individuals was attributed to multiple blunt-force injuries sustained during the accident.
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on specimens obtained during each autopsy. The flight instructor's toxicology results were negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and all tested drugs and medications.
The pilot receiving instruction's toxicology results detected dextromethorphan and its metabolite dextrorphan, doxylamine, and ibuprofen in urine. Dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, and doxylamine were also detected in blood at levels too low to quantify accurately. The testing also identified 35.75 µg/ml of acetaminophen in urine. Acetaminophen is a fever treatment and analgesic commonly available over the counter with the name Tylenol. Ibuprofen is also used to treat pain and fever and is commonly available over the counter with the names Advil and Motrin. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not considered impairing. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in many over the counter cough and cold preparations. In typical doses, dextromethorphan is not considered impairing. Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine available in a variety of over the counter cold products and sleep aids.
Tests And Research
The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 avionics suite; however, the multifunction display was not equipped with a memory card that could have recorded flight parameters during the flight. The airplane operator confirmed that none of their G1000-equipped Cessna 172S airplanes had a memory card installed.
An Apple iPad Air, Apple iPad Air 2, and an Apple iPhone 5S were recovered from the wreckage and submitted to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory for forensic examination. Attempts to repair the damaged Apple iPad Air were unsuccessful, and no information was recovered from the device. The damaged Apple iPad Air 2 was repaired, but forensic efforts to access the password-protected data were not successful. The damaged Apple iPhone 5S was repaired, and photos and an encrypted backup were recovered from the device. The recovered photos were not pertinent to the investigation, and the encrypted backup precluded further review of the device.
Additional Information
According to the airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), intentional spin maneuvers are approved when the airplane is operated within the specified limits of utility category. The POH indicates that at least 1,000 ft of altitude loss should be allowed for a one-turn spin and recovery, while a six-turn spin and recovery may require more than twice that amount. Full aft elevator and full rudder applied in the direction of the spin should be maintained until spin recovery is initiated. An inadvertent relaxation of either of these controls could result in the development of a nose-down spiral (instead of a spin). The POH stipulates that when training in spins and spin recoveries, a one- or two-turn spin is adequate and should be used. During the first two turns, the spin will progress to a rapid rate of rotation and a steep nose-down attitude. Proper application of recovery controls will yield prompt recoveries within a quarter turn. During extended spins of two to three turns or more, the spin will tend to change into a nose-down spiral, particularly to the right. In the event of a nose-down spiral, a recovery should be accomplished promptly but smoothly by leveling the wings and recovering from the resulting dive.
NTSB Identification: CEN17FA111
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, February 27, 2017 in Berthoud, CO
Aircraft: CESSNA 172S, registration: N2461N
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 February 27, 2017, about 0741 mountain standard time, a Cessna model 172S single-engine airplane, N2461N, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a reservoir while maneuvering near Berthoud, Colorado. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by McAir Aviation, LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. The local instructional flight departed Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado, at 0724.
According to the operator, the purpose of the accident flight was for the pilot receiving instruction to demonstrate his ability to enter and recover from aerodynamic spins and was in conjunction with his required training toward receiving a flight instructor certificate.
According to a preliminary review of air traffic control (ATC) radar track data, the first radar contact with the airplane was at 0724:01 (HHMM:SS) shortly after it departed runway 30R at BJC. After takeoff, the airplane proceeded northbound toward Longmont, Colorado. At 0734:30, the airplane crossed over Colorado Highway 66 at 10,000 feet mean sea level (msl). At 0736:12, the airplane was located about 1 mile east of the Highland Reservoir No. 2 at 10,300 feet msl. According to preliminary calculations, based on available radar data, the airplane turned to a westerly course and decelerated to an aerodynamic stall speed. Between 0736:53 and 0737:07, the airplane descended from 10,300 feet msl to 9,300 feet msl. The calculated average descent rate was about 4,300 feet per minute during the approximately 14 second descent. Following the rapid descent, the airplane climbed to 10,800 feet msl and completed a turn from an east course to a west course. At 0740:35, about 1 mile south of the Culver Reservoir (also known as Blue Mountain Reservoir), the airplane completed a 90-degree right turn and decelerated to an aerodynamic stall speed. Between 0741:03 and 0741:40, the airplane descended from 10,800 feet msl to 6,800 feet msl. The calculated average descent rate was about 6,500 feet per minute. At 0741:40, the airplane descended below available radar coverage at 6,800 feet msl (about 1,700 feet above the ground).
An eyewitness to the accident reported that she was outside feeding her horses when she observed the accident airplane flying overhead. She reported hearing a reduction in engine power before seeing the airplane pitch nose down and enter a spin toward the ground. She stated that the airplane completed about 5 turns in the spin before it descended below a tree line located between her position and the reservoir. She reported that the airplane rotated slowly throughout the spin maneuver and that she did not hear the engine regain power. The witness also indicated that it was very common for airplanes to complete similar maneuvers in the airspace near her property.
Another eyewitness reported that he initially heard the airplane overfly his residence. He stated that he heard a reduction in engine power and then saw the airplane through his residence window descending nose down in a spin. The witness reported that the airplane was rotating slowly during the spin maneuver. He also noted that he did not observe any smoke or flames originating from the airplane. The airplane descended below a tree line located between his residence and the reservoir. Although the witness did not see the airplane impact the reservoir, he reported hearing a sound consistent with a ground impact.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the 58-year-old flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with single engine land and instrument airplane ratings. He also held a flight instructor certificate with single engine and instrument airplane ratings. He was employed by McAir Aviation as the chief pilot in charge of flight instruction. His last aviation medical examination was on June 24, 2016, when he was issued a second-class medical certificate with a limitation for corrective lenses. A search of FAA records showed no previous accidents, incidents, or enforcement proceedings. The operator reported that the flight instructor had more than 6,600 hours of total flight time.
According to FAA records, the 23-year-old pilot receiving instruction held a commercial pilot certificate with single engine land and instrument airplane ratings. The commercial certificate was issued on August 31, 2016. His last aviation medical examination was on January 6, 2015, when he was issued a third-class medical certificate with no limitations or restrictions. A search of FAA records showed no previous accidents, incidents, or enforcement proceedings. A pilot logbook was not recovered during the on-scene investigation.
The accident airplane was a 2005 Cessna model 172S, serial number 172S10043. A 180-horsepower Lycoming model IO-360-L2A reciprocating engine, serial number L-31665-51A, powered the airplane through a fixed-pitch, two blade, McCauley model 1A170E/JHA7660 propeller, serial number ZF23025. The airplane had a fixed tricycle landing gear, was capable of seating four individuals, and had a certified maximum gross weight of 2,550 pounds. The airplane was issued a standard airworthiness certificate on November 29, 2005. Intentional spin maneuvers were approved when the airplane was operated within the constraints of the utility category. Operation of the airplane in the utility category was limited to a maximum takeoff weight of 2,200 pounds. According to airplane dispatch documentation, the airplane's HOBBS hour meter indicated 6,053.7 hours before the accident flight. The airplane's HOBBS hour meter indicated 6,054.2 hours at the accident site. Postaccident calculations established that the airframe had accumulated a total service time of 4,703 hours. The engine had accumulated a total service time of 5,994.6 hours since new. The engine had accumulated 1,862 hours since being overhauled on December 21, 2012. The propeller had accumulated a total service time of 4,703 hours and 1,862 since being overhauled on January 4, 2013. The last annual inspection of the airplane was completed on October 25, 2016, at 4,552.1 total airframe hours. A 100-hour inspection was completed on January 12, 2017, at 4,651.2 total airframe hours. The rudder return springs were replaced on January 24, 2017, at 4,668.8 total airframe hours. According to maintenance records, the rear bench seat and rear restraints were removed on February 13, 2017. A postaccident review of the maintenance records found no history of unresolved airworthiness issues. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 56 gallons (53 gallons usable) distributed between two wing fuel tanks. A review of dispatch records established that the airplane departed with 27 gallons (162 pounds) of fuel. The dispatch records also included a weight-and-balance calculation worksheet for the accident flight. According to the worksheet, the combined weight of the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction was 325 pounds, the airplane departure weight was 2,173.5 pounds, and the calculated arm was 40.3 inches aft-of-datum. The postmortem weights of the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were 204 pounds and 150 pounds, respectively. A postaccident weight-and-balance calculation, using the postmortem weights and a fuel consumption rate of 11 gallons per hour, established that the airplane was operating within the constraints of the utility category at the time of the accident.
At 0756, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) located at Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL), about 15 miles north-northeast of the accident site, reported: wind 050 degrees at 5 knots, clear sky, 10 mile surface visibility, temperature -7 degrees Celsius, dew point -9 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.68 inches of mercury.
The airplane wreckage was located partially submerged in Culver Reservoir (also known as Blue Mountain Reservoir) at an altitude of 5,142 feet msl. Airbags were used to float the airplane to the shore where the airplane was subsequently recovered by a crane. All major structural components and flight controls remained intact. The aileron and flap control cables were disconnected, at the wing root turnbuckles, and both wings were removed to transport the wreckage to a secured facility. The elevator and rudder cable circuits were not disconnected during wreckage recovery. On January 28, 2017, the aircraft wreckage was examined at Beegles Aircraft located in Greeley, Colorado. The leading edge of the right wing was crushed upward and aft to the front spar at an approximately 45-degree angle. The leading edge of the left wing was crushed flat. The aft fuselage and tail cone were compressed on the right side and buckled slightly outward on the left side. The engine was compressed up and aft into the firewall. Aileron control cable continuity was established from the left and right aileron bell cranks to the center wing area where they had been disconnected to facilitate recovery of the wreckage. The aileron autopilot roll servo cables were on the capstan and attached to the bell crank. The aileron cables remained installed on the left and right control column sprockets and were wrapped around the interconnect pulley. A measurement of the wing flap actuator was consistent with the flaps being fully retracted at the time of impact. Elevator control cable continuity was established from the forward elevator bell crank to the aft elevator bell crank. The forward bell crank was bent due to floor compression damage sustained during impact. The elevator autopilot pitch servo cables were on the capstan and the bridal cables remained attached to the control cable. Rudder control cable continuity was established from the rudder torque tubes to the rudder horn. The rudder stops exhibited normal wear signatures. The rudder return springs remained attached to the rudder assemblies and no anomalies were noted with their installation. The rudder torque tube bearing block covers exhibited fracture features consistent with impact related damage. The parking brake cable on the left side left brake pedal was fractured. The pilot side left brake master cylinder connection rod was fractured near the brake pedal attachment. The postaccident examination did not identify any foreign object debris within the cabin, cockpit, wings, or the aft fuselage that would have impinged on any flight control cable circuit. Both structural seat pans exhibited downward deformation. A headset bag was located under each of the cockpit seats; however, the headset bags were trapped by the deformed seat pans. A fuel sample was obtained from the fuel strainer assembly which tested negative for water contamination using water-detection paste. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
The engine had partially separated from the firewall. The top sparkplugs, valve covers, and all rear accessories were removed to facilitate the engine examination. Mechanical continuity was confirmed from the engine components to their respective cockpit controls, with exception of the mixture control rod end that had separated at the shaft but remained connected to the mixture control arm. The fracture of the mixture control rod end exhibited features consistent with an overstress failure. Internal engine and valve train continuity was established as the engine crankshaft was rotated. Compression and suction were noted on all cylinders in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. The upper spark plugs were removed and exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. A borescope inspection revealed no anomalies with the cylinders, valves, pistons, or lower spark plugs. There were no obstructions between the air filter housing and the fuel servo. The exhaust was crushed upward and aft. The No. 1 and 2 intake tubes were found displaced aft from impact damage. The water was cleaned out of both magnetos with contact cleaner and compressed air. A spark was produced at all leads while the magnetos were rotated by hand. The fuel flow divider, flow transducer and fuel hoses were clear of contaminates. No anomalies were noted with the mechanical fuel pump while it was operated by hand. The fuel flow divider contained fuel. The oil pickup screen was free of contamination. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. One blade was found relatively straight and the other blade was bent slightly aft. Neither propeller blade exhibited chordwise scoring, rubbing, or burnishing. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Although the airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 avionic suite, the multi-function display was not equipped with a SD memory card that could have recorded flight parameters during the accident flight. The airplane operator confirmed that none of their G1000-equipped Cessna 172S airplanes had a SD memory card installed. There were two Apple iPads and one Apple iPhone recovered with the wreckage. These personal electronic devices were submitted to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory, located in Washington D.C., for potential forensic examination.
On February 27, 2017, an autopsy was performed on both pilots at the Larimer County Medical Examiner's Office, located in Loveland, Colorado. Toxicological samples were collected and submitted to the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Patrick Blankemeier (left) and James Griffith (right)
Patrick Blankemeier, 58, of Arvada and James Griffith, 23, of Denver died in the crash, which happened Monday morning at Culver Reservoir about two miles southwest of Berthoud in Larimer County.
Both suffered multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
An investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board was working Tuesday to determine the cause of the crash – a process that may take a year or more.
The plane, a Cessna 172 manufactured in 2005, was operated by McAir Aviation, located at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, where Blankemeier was the chief flight instructor since 2014.
According to FAA records, he held a commercial pilot’s license since September 2005.
Griffith had his commercial pilot’s license since last August, according to the FAA.
It appears both men were licensed to fly before obtaining their commercial certificates, but FAA records that could provide that information were not immediately available.
Both men had valid medical certificates.
Blankemeier and Griffith were flying Monday morning when their plane crashed into Culver Reservoir about 50 feet from shore. According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office the two men were submerged in the cold water for 50 minutes before they were pulled from the plane.
They were both pronounced dead at a hospital.
Blankemeier had previously been a flight instructor in California.
Source: http://www.9news.com
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. – Two people died after they were pulled from a plane that crashed into Culver Reservoir southwest of Berthoud Monday morning.
The Berthoud Fire Protection District confirmed to Denver7 that two people were pulled from the crash and taken to a nearby hospital. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the two people, both men, died at the hospital.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office says the plane crashed into the reservoir around 7:45 a.m.
Divers with the sheriff’s office entered the water just after 8 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
But both men had been in the water for 50 minutes, the sheriff’s office said, and were declared dead at the hospital. Their identities have not been released.
Allen Kenitzer, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Communications, tells Denver7 the plane was a Cessna 172 and confirmed that two people were aboard the plane when it crashed.
The plane was removed from the reservoir just before 3 p.m.
Source: http://www.thedenverchannel.com
LARIMER COUNTY - Two men are dead after they were pulled from a plane that crashed into Culver Reservoir Monday morning.
The crash was reported at around 7:45 a.m., according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. The victims were pulled from the Cessna 172 after being submerged for 50 minutes.
They were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Allen Jenitzer, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration, says they are looking into what caused the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board.
Witnesses are asked to call the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office at 970-498-5172.
The NTSB says the plane's registration number is N2461N. It is registered to McAir Aviation out of Broomfield.
Culver Reservoir is located in Larimer County southwest of Berthoud.
PARE, POWER to idle; AILERONS Neutral; RUDDER, Briskly Opposite the Spin and Hold it until rotation stops!; ELEVATOR- Briskly Forward.
ReplyDeleteSort of confusing narrative citing the POH for how to enter spin- Hold Aft Elevator and Pro-Spin Rudder UNTIL spin recovery or else may get a spiral dive. Seems a spiral dive easy to recover. Here it seems they were in a developed spin but just did not apply the correct recovery because witnesses confirmed continued rotation. In any event, holding aft elevator and pro-spin rudder wrong inputs once plane has entered the spin. Must do the opposite as stated above. PARE. This should have been drilled in ground school. Both of these pilots had the hours to know the technique. CFI required to know it. I took spin training with a CFI who did not know how to recover from a spin! I did know.
Condolences to friends and family. A 152 will usually come out of a spin if you just neutralize the controls. 172 is more problematic. Not really a good spin trainer in my opinion. Letting one get into a developed spin is risky.
The plane was probably already damaged after the hit with the other plane, that is why they could not recover…
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