Saturday, May 12, 2018

Visual Flight Rules encounter with Instrument Meteorological Conditions: Cirrus SR22, N507TX; fatal accident occurred May 11, 2018 in Lone Tree, Douglas County, Colorado

All audio files for N507TX, a Cirrus aircraft, on the day of 05/11/2018 involved in an accident on this day in Lone Tree, Colorado.

 
Dr. Robert "Bob" Marquis, DVM, CCRT
June 14th, 1950 - May 11th, 2018


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

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Englewood, Colorado
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota 
Continental Aerospace Technologies; Mobile, Alabama
Avidyne

Aviation Accident Final 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/N507TX  


Location: Lone Tree, CO
Accident Number: CEN18FA168
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 2019 MST
Registration: N507TX
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: VFR encounter with IMC
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The instrument-rated private pilot departed on a visual flight rules cross-country flight just before the end of civil twilight. After departing to the north, the pilot turned onto a left downwind to depart the area toward the south; the controller advised the pilot to stay west of the extended runway centerline, which the pilot acknowledged. However, about 2 minutes after takeoff, the airplane turned east and crossed the extended centerline. After crossing the centerline, the controller asked the pilot to state his intentions, and the pilot replied that he was going to return to the airport. The airplane turned back toward the airport and began tracking west toward the extended centerline; radar contact was lost several minutes later.

The airplane impacted a field about 2.5 miles to the south of the approach end of the runway. The airplane was massively fragmented during the impact and debris was scattered for about 1,200 ft. The damage to the airplane and the ground scars at the accident site were consistent with the airplane impacting in a right wing low, nose low attitude with relatively high energy.

The postaccident examination of the engine and propeller assembly did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Signatures were consistent with the engine producing power and the propeller developing thrust at the time of impact. While the massive fragmentation precluded functional testing of the flight controls, there was no damage or failure that suggested preimpact anomalies with the airframe or flight controls.

While visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the airport, statements from two pilots flying instrument approaches to runway 35R suggest that the pilot likely encountered and was flying in the clouds to the south of the airport just before the accident.

A review of radar data and voice communications revealed that the instructions issued by the controller, to the pilot, were reasonable and in accordance with air traffic control procedures. Investigators were not able to establish why the pilot did not comply with air traffic control instructions.

The accident flight was the airplane's first flight after completion of an annual inspection, and the pilot was flying to meet his family for an event in another state. It is likely that the pilot was experiencing self-induced pressure to complete the flight as planned in order to maintain the family's schedule of events, and as a result, chose to depart on the visual flight rules flight over mountainous terrain at night in marginal weather conditions. The pilot's logbook was not recovered, and the recency of his instrument flight experience could not be determined.

Based upon the reported weather conditions, the location and fragmentation of the wreckage, and radar data, it is likely that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation shortly after entering the clouds which resulted in a loss of control and descent into terrain. The reason for the pilot's stated intention to return to the airport after takeoff could not be determined, but it is possible that he became distracted and that distraction contributed to his disorientation and loss of control. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to fly the airplane at night in marginal weather conditions. 

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Spatial disorientation - Pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Factor)
Motivation/respond to pressure - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Low ceiling - Effect on operation (Cause)
Ceiling/visibility/precip - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Initial climb
VFR encounter with IMC (Defining event)

Maneuvering
Loss of control in flight

Uncontrolled descent
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

On May 11, 2018, about 2019 mountain daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR22 airplane, N507TX, impacted terrain near Lone Tree, Colorado. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Dusk, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the airport and no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight plan had been filed for the flight. The airplane had just departed from Centennial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado, and was en route to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), Grand Junction, Colorado.

According to the pilot's family, the pilot traveled to APA to pick up his airplane following the completion of an annual inspection. The pilot's family was traveling to Nevada for an event and the pilot intended to fly to GJT on the evening of the accident and then join his family in Nevada the next day.

According to FAA air traffic control transcripts, the pilot contacted the APA ground controller at 1957, and stated that he was ready to taxi, had the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) information, and was departing to the south. The pilot was cleared to taxi to runway 35R. After completing an engine run-up at the approach end of the runway, the pilot was cleared for takeoff at 2014 and was instructed by the controller to remain west of the centerline for 35R following his left downwind departure to the south; the pilot acknowledged these instructions. During this time, the pilot was issued traffic advisories for another Cirrus and a military jet trainer, both on final approach for runway 35R.

According to FAA radar data, the airplane began a left turn to the east at an altitude of about 7,100 ft mean sea level (msl) and at 2016:41 the controller instructed the pilot to "just fly east through the centerline" for traffic that was descending out of 9,000 ft. About 10 seconds later the pilot responded "fly to the east of the centerline…" The airplane continued east and crossed the extended centerline of the runway.

At 2017:28, the controller asked the pilot, "what is going to be your on course heading, what are you doing now?" About 3 seconds later, the pilot responded "…I think I'm going to return to uh return to centennial." The controller asked the pilot if he wanted to land on runway 28; the pilot did not respond. At this time the airplane was flying northeast at an altitude of 7,000 ft msl.

The airplane turned left, back towards the northwest and the extended runway centerline at an altitude of 7,000 ft msl. At 2017:57 the controller stated "remain east of the centerline for runway three five right please, I've got a Hawk descending five mile final seven thousand eight hundred indicated. I need you to remain east of the centerline." About 13 seconds later the pilot responded, "I'll stay east."

About 2018, the controller issued wind information to the pilot and asked if he would like runway 28 or runway 35R. About 38 seconds later the pilot responded, "…give me the winds one more time." The controller then stated "… you're still flying westbound, please, I need you east, east of the centerline, please remain east of the centerline." The pilot did not respond. The airplane was about 7,700 ft msl and flying west-northwest.

At 2019:05 the controller stated "…I need you to do what I'm telling you to do, now fly westbound, continue westbound." The pilot did not respond, and radar contact was lost about 2019. 

Dr. Robert "Bob" Marquis

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:Yes 
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 575 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The pilot's flight logbook was not located during the investigation and his total flight time or recent experience could not be determined. According to the pilot's last medical certificate application, dated May 19, 2016, he estimated his total flight time as 2,300 hours. 



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N507TX
Model/Series: SR22
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1429
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/11/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 1 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1269 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental Motors
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N (27)
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

In April 2018, the pilot took the airplane to APA for its annual inspection. The annual maintenance was completed on May 11, 2018, and the accident flight was the first flight following the annual maintenance. According to maintenance personnel, the inspection and maintenance was routine. The owner of the maintenance facility stated that in 2013, the Avidyne primary flight display (PFD) altimeter had failed the 14 CFR 91.411 test and was about 10 to 15 ft beyond the allowable tolerances. The pilot had deferred maintenance on the unit in 2013 and every year since, as this maintenance would require the entire unit to be removed and returned to the manufacturer.



Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPA, 5869 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 21 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Denver, CO (KAPA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Grand Junction, CO (KGJT)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2011 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D 

The closest official weather observation station was at APA, located 2.5 nautical miles (nm) north-northwest of the accident site. The elevation of the weather observation station was 5,885 ft msl. The routine aviation weather report (METAR) for APA, issued at 1953, reported, wind 350° at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots, 7 miles visibility, sky condition, 1,500 ft broken, 10,000 ft overcast, temperature 15° Celsius (C), dew point temperature 12° C, and an altimeter of 29.82 inches of mercury. The pilot of another airplane, who was flying the instrument landing system approach to runway 35R, reported breaking out of the clouds at 6,800 ft msl.

Two different pilots on instrument approach to runway 35R at APA, about the time of the accident, reported broken-to-overcast skies between 800 ft and 1,000 ft agl, with ragged cloud bottoms, no turbulence, no icing, and no precipitation. A witness walking in a subdivision just to the east of the accident location reported low clouds, about 200 ft overcast with surface winds in excess of 25 knots.

A security camera mounted on the APA air traffic control tower and facing south captured a light, likely from the accident airplane, just before the accident. The surveillance camera image, taken from the camera mounted on the catwalk of the air traffic control tower, showed dusk lighting conditions and a potential lower cloud layer to the south where the accident occurred. The light from the airplane was not visible above the horizon until the first image captured at 2018:40. The images taken 2 seconds before and 2 seconds after did not show any lights in that direction.

According to the United States Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department Sun and Moon Data, sunset was recorded at 2005 and the end of civil twilight was recorded at 2035.

A search of official weather briefing sources, such as contract Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) provider Leidos weather briefings and the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS), revealed that the accident pilot did not request a weather briefing through either source.

According to a witness who spoke with the pilot just before the accident flight, the pilot was concerned about the weather in the area and was planning to fly south to avoid the weather.



Airport Information

Airport: Centennial Airport (APA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5885 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 10000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: 

Centennial Airport is a public, controlled airport (class D) located 15 miles southeast of Denver, Colorado, at a surveyed elevation of 5,885 ft. The airport had three open runways; 17L/35R, 17R/35L, and 10/28. The class D airspace extended upward from the surface to 8,000 ft msl and within a 4.4-mile radius. The class D airspace was surrounded by class E 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: 39.516111, -104.833889 

The airplane impacted an open field 2.5 miles south-southwest of the approach end of runway 35R and just west of a housing development. Witness marks at the initial impact point were consistent with a right wing-low, nose-level attitude at the time of impact. The airplane was fragmented, and debris was scattered for 1,219 ft.

The initial impact point was characterized by a long narrow ground scar that contained paint chips consistent with the wing of the airplane. The ground scar continued 12 ft east to three ground scars consistent in size and location with the nose and the main landing gear. The ground scar widened and contained paint chips and debris consistent with the fuselage of the airplane for another 40 ft. The far edge of the ground scar contained witness marks consistent with propeller strikes.

A debris field continued from the initial impact point, to the east, for 1,100 ft. Fragmented pieces of both wings, the empennage, and the fuselage, were contained within the debris field. The debris field also contained components of the engine exhaust system, the fragmented instrument panel, and various personal effects.

The engine separated from the fuselage and propeller assembly and came to rest at the easternmost side of the debris field. The engine was imbedded in the west-facing side of the wall of a home.

The cockpit instruments separated from their cockpit locations, were fragmented, and did not convey reliable readings.

The scope of the airframe, engine, and systems examination was limited by fragmentation due to impact damage; however, no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed.

The details of the wreckage examination are available in the public docket for this investigation. 



Flight Recorders

The accident airplane was equipped with an Avidyne PFD and an Avidyne multi-function display (MFD). The PFD and flash memory device from the MFD were sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Lab in Washington, D.C., for download. The PFD recording contained a record consistent with the accident flight that was 25 minutes and 56 seconds in duration. The MFD contained a data file that was 25 minutes and 6 seconds in duration.

The engine parameter data recovered from the PFD and MFD, to include the cylinder head temperatures, exhaust gas temperatures, manifold pressure, oil pressure, and fuel flow, were consistent with normal operating ranges. A spike in these parameters at 2009 was consistent with an engine runup before takeoff and the increase about 2013 was consistent with takeoff.

Pitch and roll data obtained from the unit was consistent with the radar data. The recorded roll parameter indicated that the airplane banked greater than 30° to the right and left several times during the last 2 minutes of the accident flight.

Additional details and information related to the data recovered are contained in the specialist's factual report available in the public docket for this investigation.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Douglas County Coroner's Office, Castle Rock, Colorado, performed the autopsy on the pilot on May 12, 2018. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was "multiple blunt force injuries" and the report listed the specific injuries.

The FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens that were collected during the autopsy. Results were negative for ethanol. Testing of the muscle and liver tissue revealed trace amounts of pseudoephedrine. Carbon Monoxide and cyanide tests were not performed.

According to the FAA Aerospace Medical Research website, pseudoephedrine is a common over the counter decongestant used in the treatment of the common cold and hay fever. The medication found during the pilot's toxicological testing does not cause impairment or incapacitation.

Additional Information

Air Traffic Control Services

According to FAA JP 7110.65X, "Air Traffic Control", the primary purpose of the air traffic control (ATC) system is to prevent a collision involving aircraft operating in the system. In addition, the ATC system provides a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic."

Title 14 CFR Part 91.123 states in part that "Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.

The details to the Air Traffic Control Specialists factual report are contained in the public docket for this investigation.

Spatial Disorientation

The FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute's publication, "Introduction to Aviation Physiology," defines spatial disorientation as a loss of proper bearings or a state of mental confusion as to position, location, or movement relative to the position of the earth. Factors contributing to spatial disorientation include changes in acceleration, flight in IMC, frequent transfer between visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and IMC, and unperceived changes in aircraft attitude.

The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A) describes some hazards associated with flying when the ground or horizon are obscured. The handbook states, in part: 

The vestibular sense (motion sensing by the inner ear) in particular tends to confuse the pilot. Because of inertia, the sensory areas of the inner ear cannot detect slight changes in the attitude of the airplane, nor can they accurately sense attitude changes that occur at a uniform rate over a period of time. On the other hand, false sensations are often generated; leading the pilot to believe the attitude of the airplane has changed when in fact, it has not. These false sensations result in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation. The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Englewood, Colorado
Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, Minnesota 
Continental Aerospace Technologies; Mobile, Alabama
Avidyne

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


http://registry.faa.gov/N507TX  


Location: Lone Tree, CO
Accident Number: CEN18FA168
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 2019 MST
Registration: N507TX
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: VFR encounter with IMC
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 11, 2018, about 2019 mountain daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR22 airplane, N507TX, impacted terrain near Lone Tree, Colorado. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Dusk, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the airport and no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight plan had been filed for the flight. The airplane had just departed from Centennial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado, and was en route to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), Grand Junction, Colorado.

According to the pilot's family, the pilot traveled to APA to pick up his airplane following the completion of an annual inspection. The pilot's family was traveling to Nevada for an event and the pilot intended to fly to GJT on the evening of the accident and then join his family in Nevada the next day.

According to FAA air traffic control transcripts, the pilot contacted the APA ground controller at 1957, and stated that he was ready to taxi, had the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) information, and was departing to the south. The pilot was cleared to taxi to runway 35R. After completing an engine run-up at the approach end of the runway, the pilot was cleared for takeoff at 2014 and was instructed by the controller to remain west of the centerline for 35R following his left downwind departure to the south; the pilot acknowledged these instructions. During this time, the pilot was issued traffic advisories for another Cirrus and a military jet trainer, both on final approach for runway 35R.

According to FAA radar data, the airplane began a left turn to the east at an altitude of about 7,100 ft mean sea level (msl) and at 2016:41 the controller instructed the pilot to "just fly east through the centerline" for traffic that was descending out of 9,000 ft. About 10 seconds later the pilot responded "fly to the east of the centerline…" The airplane continued east and crossed the extended centerline of the runway.

At 2017:28, the controller asked the pilot, "what is going to be your on course heading, what are you doing now?" About 3 seconds later, the pilot responded "…I think I'm going to return to uh return to centennial." The controller asked the pilot if he wanted to land on runway 28; the pilot did not respond. At this time the airplane was flying northeast at an altitude of 7,000 ft msl.

The airplane turned left, back towards the northwest and the extended runway centerline at an altitude of 7,000 ft msl. At 2017:57 the controller stated "remain east of the centerline for runway three five right please, I've got a Hawk descending five mile final seven thousand eight hundred indicated. I need you to remain east of the centerline." About 13 seconds later the pilot responded, "I'll stay east."

About 2018, the controller issued wind information to the pilot and asked if he would like runway 28 or runway 35R. About 38 seconds later the pilot responded, "…give me the winds one more time." The controller then stated "… you're still flying westbound, please, I need you east, east of the centerline, please remain east of the centerline." The pilot did not respond. The airplane was about 7,700 ft msl and flying west-northwest.

At 2019:05 the controller stated "…I need you to do what I'm telling you to do, now fly westbound, continue westbound." The pilot did not respond, and radar contact was lost about 2019. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 67, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:Yes 
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/20/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2300 hours (Total, all aircraft), 575 hours (Total, this make and model) 

The pilot's flight logbook was not located during the investigation and his total flight time or recent experience could not be determined. According to the pilot's last medical certificate application, dated May 19, 2016, he estimated his total flight time as 2,300 hours. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N507TX
Model/Series: SR22
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1429
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/11/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 1 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1269 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Teledyne Continental Motors
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-N (27)
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 310 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

In April 2018, the pilot took the airplane to APA for its annual inspection. The annual maintenance was completed on May 11, 2018, and the accident flight was the first flight following the annual maintenance. According to maintenance personnel, the inspection and maintenance was routine. The owner of the maintenance facility stated that in 2013, the Avidyne primary flight display (PFD) altimeter had failed the 14 CFR 91.411 test and was about 10 to 15 ft beyond the allowable tolerances. The pilot had deferred maintenance on the unit in 2013 and every year since, as this maintenance would require the entire unit to be removed and returned to the manufacturer.

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPA, 5869 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 2 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1953 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots / 21 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 350°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Denver, CO (KAPA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Grand Junction, CO (KGJT)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2011 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D 

The closest official weather observation station was at APA, located 2.5 nautical miles (nm) north-northwest of the accident site. The elevation of the weather observation station was 5,885 ft msl. The routine aviation weather report (METAR) for APA, issued at 1953, reported, wind 350° at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots, 7 miles visibility, sky condition, 1,500 ft broken, 10,000 ft overcast, temperature 15° Celsius (C), dew point temperature 12° C, and an altimeter of 29.82 inches of mercury. The pilot of another airplane, who was flying the instrument landing system approach to runway 35R, reported breaking out of the clouds at 6,800 ft msl.

Two different pilots on instrument approach to runway 35R at APA, about the time of the accident, reported broken-to-overcast skies between 800 ft and 1,000 ft agl, with ragged cloud bottoms, no turbulence, no icing, and no precipitation. A witness walking in a subdivision just to the east of the accident location reported low clouds, about 200 ft overcast with surface winds in excess of 25 knots.

A security camera mounted on the APA air traffic control tower and facing south captured a light, likely from the accident airplane, just before the accident. The surveillance camera image, taken from the camera mounted on the catwalk of the air traffic control tower, showed dusk lighting conditions and a potential lower cloud layer to the south where the accident occurred. The light from the airplane was not visible above the horizon until the first image captured at 2018:40. The images taken 2 seconds before and 2 seconds after did not show any lights in that direction.

According to the United States Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department Sun and Moon Data, sunset was recorded at 2005 and the end of civil twilight was recorded at 2035.

A search of official weather briefing sources, such as contract Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) provider Leidos weather briefings and the Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS), revealed that the accident pilot did not request a weather briefing through either source.

According to a witness who spoke with the pilot just before the accident flight, the pilot was concerned about the weather in the area and was planning to fly south to avoid the weather.

Airport Information

Airport: Centennial Airport (APA)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5885 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 10000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: 

Centennial Airport is a public, controlled airport (class D) located 15 miles southeast of Denver, Colorado, at a surveyed elevation of 5,885 ft. The airport had three open runways; 17L/35R, 17R/35L, and 10/28. The class D airspace extended upward from the surface to 8,000 ft msl and within a 4.4-mile radius. The class D airspace was surrounded by class E 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: 39.516111, -104.833889 

The airplane impacted an open field 2.5 miles south-southwest of the approach end of runway 35R and just west of a housing development. Witness marks at the initial impact point were consistent with a right wing-low, nose-level attitude at the time of impact. The airplane was fragmented, and debris was scattered for 1,219 ft.

The initial impact point was characterized by a long narrow ground scar that contained paint chips consistent with the wing of the airplane. The ground scar continued 12 ft east to three ground scars consistent in size and location with the nose and the main landing gear. The ground scar widened and contained paint chips and debris consistent with the fuselage of the airplane for another 40 ft. The far edge of the ground scar contained witness marks consistent with propeller strikes.

A debris field continued from the initial impact point, to the east, for 1,100 ft. Fragmented pieces of both wings, the empennage, and the fuselage, were contained within the debris field. The debris field also contained components of the engine exhaust system, the fragmented instrument panel, and various personal effects.

The engine separated from the fuselage and propeller assembly and came to rest at the easternmost side of the debris field. The engine was imbedded in the west-facing side of the wall of a home.

The cockpit instruments separated from their cockpit locations, were fragmented, and did not convey reliable readings.

The scope of the airframe, engine, and systems examination was limited by fragmentation due to impact damage; however, no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed.

The details of the wreckage examination are available in the public docket for this investigation. 

Flight Recorders

The accident airplane was equipped with an Avidyne PFD and an Avidyne multi-function display (MFD). The PFD and flash memory device from the MFD were sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Lab in Washington, D.C., for download. The PFD recording contained a record consistent with the accident flight that was 25 minutes and 56 seconds in duration. The MFD contained a data file that was 25 minutes and 6 seconds in duration.

The engine parameter data recovered from the PFD and MFD, to include the cylinder head temperatures, exhaust gas temperatures, manifold pressure, oil pressure, and fuel flow, were consistent with normal operating ranges. A spike in these parameters at 2009 was consistent with an engine runup before takeoff and the increase about 2013 was consistent with takeoff.

Pitch and roll data obtained from the unit was consistent with the radar data. The recorded roll parameter indicated that the airplane banked greater than 30° to the right and left several times during the last 2 minutes of the accident flight.

Additional details and information related to the data recovered are contained in the specialist's factual report available in the public docket for this investigation.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Douglas County Coroner's Office, Castle Rock, Colorado, performed the autopsy on the pilot on May 12, 2018. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was "multiple blunt force injuries" and the report listed the specific injuries.

The FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens that were collected during the autopsy. Results were negative for ethanol. Testing of the muscle and liver tissue revealed trace amounts of pseudoephedrine. Carbon Monoxide and cyanide tests were not performed.

According to the FAA Aerospace Medical Research website, pseudoephedrine is a common over the counter decongestant used in the treatment of the common cold and hay fever. The medication found during the pilot's toxicological testing does not cause impairment or incapacitation.

Additional Information

Air Traffic Control Services

According to FAA JP 7110.65X, "Air Traffic Control", the primary purpose of the air traffic control (ATC) system is to prevent a collision involving aircraft operating in the system. In addition, the ATC system provides a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic."

Title 14 CFR Part 91.123 states in part that "Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.

The details to the Air Traffic Control Specialists factual report are contained in the public docket for this investigation.

Spatial Disorientation

The FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute's publication, "Introduction to Aviation Physiology," defines spatial disorientation as a loss of proper bearings or a state of mental confusion as to position, location, or movement relative to the position of the earth. Factors contributing to spatial disorientation include changes in acceleration, flight in IMC, frequent transfer between visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and IMC, and unperceived changes in aircraft attitude.

The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A) describes some hazards associated with flying when the ground or horizon are obscured. The handbook states, in part: 

The vestibular sense (motion sensing by the inner ear) in particular tends to confuse the pilot. Because of inertia, the sensory areas of the inner ear cannot detect slight changes in the attitude of the airplane, nor can they accurately sense attitude changes that occur at a uniform rate over a period of time. On the other hand, false sensations are often generated; leading the pilot to believe the attitude of the airplane has changed when in fact, it has not. These false sensations result in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation.



Location: Lone Tree, CO
Accident Number: CEN18FA168
Date & Time: 05/11/2018, 2019 MST
Registration: N507TX
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On May 11, 2018, about 2019 mountain daylight time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR22 airplane, N507TX, impacted terrain near Lone Tree, Colorado. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight plan had been filed for the flight. The airplane had just departed from Centennial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado, and was en route to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), Grand Junction, Colorado.

According to a preliminary review of air traffic control recordings and radar data, the airplane was cleared for a left downwind departure from runway 35R (10,000 ft by 100 ft; asphalt) about 2011. The controller asked the pilot to remain west of the final approach path for runway 35R, due to inbound traffic. Radar data showed the airplane turn left for the downwind departure and fly to the south. Initially the airplane was west of the center line, but then started a left turn, towards the center line of the approach corridor, at an altitude of 6,900 ft mean sea level (msl). The airplane flew through the center line, and the controller asked the pilot to remain east of the center line. The controller asked the pilot his intentions and the pilot requested to return to the airport. Radar data showed the airplane westbound, towards the center line at an altitude of 7,500 ft msl. Radar contact and voice communications was lost approximately 2019.

The airplane impacted an open field 2.5 miles south, southwest of the approach end of runway 35R. Witness marks at the initial impact point are consistent with a right wing low, nose level attitude at the time of impact. The airplane was fragmented and debris was scattered for 1,219 feet. The engine of the airplane came to rest in the wall of a residential home.

The closest official weather observation station was APA, located 2.5 nautical miles (nm) north northwest of the accident site. The elevation of the weather observation station was 5,885 ft msl. The routine aviation weather report (METAR) for APA, issued at 1953, reported, wind 350 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots, visibility 7 miles, sky condition, 1,500 ft broken, 10,000 ft overcast, temperature 15 degrees Celsius (C), dew point temperature 12 degrees C, altimeter 29.82 inches of mercury. Another airplane, flying the instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 35R, reported breaking out of the clouds at 6,800 ft msl. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP
Registration: N507TX
Model/Series: SR22
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night/Dark
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPA, 5885 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 MDT
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / 12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots/ 21 knots, 350°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1500 ft agl
Visibility:  7 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Denver, CO (KAPA)
Destination: Grand Junction, CO (KGJT)

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: 39.516111, -104.833889


Bob Marquis, DVM, CCRT, Medical Director
Tiara Rado Animal Hospital

Dr. Robert "Bob" Marquis
June 14, 1950 - May 11, 2018

Dr. Robert D. Marquis III, 67, of Glade Park, CO, died Friday, May 11, while piloting his small aircraft near Denver.

Dr. Marquis was a beloved family man and dedicated veterinarian.

He was born June 14, 1950, in Ames, Iowa, to Marine Corps Captain Robert D. Marquis, Jr. and Marjorie Marquis. "Bobby" Marquis grew up in Kansas City, graduating from Southwest High School in 1968, where he played quarterback on the football team.

He earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 1978. Dr. Marquis then practiced large and small animal medicine in New York, Vermont, Missouri, and Kansas. He established Tiara Rado Animal Hospital in Grand Junction in 1983. There he created an innovative and successful veterinary practice, which provided care for countless clients and their pets. His employees were not his team, they were part of his family. He was known for his easy-going spirit, generosity, and compassion, "Dr. Bob," as many like to call him, was an experienced pilot who loved to fly, an avid woodworker, an outdoorsman, and favorite fishing partner. 

Fate was at hand in 2002 when Bob was referred by his physician to Burdette for an ultrasound exam. She was immediately taken by his sweet and humorous nature. Bob maintains that the first time he heard "Birdie's" name, something resounded inside of him and he knew she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with. They experienced many adventures flying into remote mountain airstrips, camping, and fly-fishing. Their's is a love that many hope for, but few are blessed to experience.
Bob served on many missions with the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team of which he was a volunteer. The comradery he shared with his fellow teammates meant much to him.
Described by an old friend as a "fine person," he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, clients, and colleagues who will cherish his memories for a very long time.

Dr. Marquis is survived by his beloved wife, Burdette; son, Zach Marquis (Kelli) of Gunnison, CO; step-daughter, Jody Greager of Meeker, CO; three adored grandchildren, Cade Greager (12), Cecelia Marquis (3), and Virgill Marquis (2); his brother, Van B. Marquis of Kansas City, KS; his sister, Elizabeth A. Marquis of Chicago, IL; as well as his dog, Enzo, who accompanied Dr. Marquis everywhere, including work.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 2542 G Road, Grand Junction, CO.

In honor of Dr. Bob, "The Marquis Miracle" fund has been set up to assist pet owners who may not be able to afford medical care for their pets. Donations can be made to any Alpine Bank or in person at Tiara Rado Animal Hospital.

Robert Marquis, 67, of Glade Park, Colorado
 Mesa County Search & Rescue Ground Team 


PARKER, Colo. — The Douglas County Coroner has identified the pilot in Friday night's deadly plane crash as Robert Marquis, 67, of Glade Park.

Marquis was piloting a Cirrus SR22 when it crashed near in a neighborhood near Parker Friday night.

South Metro Fire officials said his plane took off from Centennial Airport at 8:12 p.m. and disappeared from radar 11 minutes later.

The FAA told Denver7 that shortly after departing, the pilot indicated he wanted to return to the airport, though Marquis did not say why he wanted to return.

The plane crashed about three miles south of the airport, leaving a large debris field in open space near a Parker neighborhood. 

South Metro Fire crews were searching for additional passengers late Friday night. Teams were performing a grid search of the debris field.

But it was later learned the pilot was the only person on board. 

An occupied home in the 11000 block of Pastel Point in Parker was struck by the plane’s engine.

"There's about half of the engine inside of the house," homeowner, Amy Webb told Denver7.

Insulation from behind her living room walls was spread across her family's living room. Pictures showed cracks running from the floor to the ceiling.

"I'm just grateful and lucky that it went through the wall instead of through the window," she said.

Webb said she was home with two of her five daughters when the engine hit.

She described doing the dishes and listening to music when she first heard a loud noise.

"As soon as I turned off the music, there was a huge explosion," she said. "And something came — flew into the back of our house."

The plane's engine flew across several acres of empty field.

NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator, Dr. Jennifer Rodi explained, "The engine being the heaviest part of the airplane will travel the farthest during an impact sequence where we have separation."

Denver7 cameras weren't allowed beyond a barbed wire fence, but the Douglas County Sheriff's Office launched a drone to get a bird's eye view of the three to four-acre crash site.

"To have this extensive of a debris field, we had to have a lot of energy which is provided by the engine," Dr. Rodi said.

Amy Webb said the unexpected damage would be repaired with time, but said the real tragedy is the pilot's death.

"I can't imagine. I mean, that is just so tragic," she said.

She told Denver7 she grabbed her kids and ran outside. She then realized an airplane engine had crashed into her home and called 911. No residents were injured.

The cause of the crash is still unknown. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

During a press briefing Saturday, NTSB investigators said they would be looking at three things: man, machine, and environment.

Investigators said the aircraft's parachute system was not deployed. 

The investigation can take up to 18 months, officials said. 

Story and video ➤ https://www.thedenverchannel.com





The Douglas County Coroner’s Office has identified the pilot killed in Friday night’s plane crash in a neighborhood near Parker.

Robert Marquis, 67, of Glade Park, Colorado, was the only one on board the Cirrus SR22 plane when it crashed just south of Centennial Airport.


Marquis was a member of the Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team, according to a post on the group's Facebook page.


Marquis was a veterinarian and started Tiara Rado Animal Hospital in Grand Junction in 1983. The hospital posted a heartfelt message to Dr. Marquis on its Facebook page Saturday afternoon.


South Metro Fire spokesperson Eric Hurst says the plane left the airport at 8:12 p.m., and about ten minutes later it went off the radar.


The impact of the crash caused the plane’s engine to get lodged into the side of a nearby home.


An NTSB spokesperson says debris from the wreckage also indicates that the plane was heading east to west before it went down.


The Lone Tree Police Department continues to assist the NTSB and FAA in the crash investigation.


Story and video ➤ https://www.9news.com










A Douglas County homeowner says she heard a loud explosion Friday night before walking outside to find a plane’s engine lodged into the side of her home.

Amy Webb lives in the neighborhood just south of Centennial Airport where a small plane went down, killing the pilot and prompting a search for any other possible victims. The FAA later reported that the pilot was the only person on board.

Webb says she was listening to music when she heard a loud noise. She turned her music off, and heard an even louder explosion.

The impact from the engine hitting her home sent debris into her living room, but luckily no one inside was injured.

“It’s an easy fix,” Webb told 9NEWS reporter Marshall Zelinger. “I’m just lucky that it went through the wall instead of the window.”

NTSB believes the engine that ended up in her home was still attached to the plane when the crash occurred.

Debris from the crash indicates that the plane was heading east to west before it went down, an NTSB spokesperson said in a press conference Saturday morning.

NTBS also said the plane had a parachute system but it was not deployed.

Details regarding the flight of the plane are still being investigated, with a preliminary report of the crash expected to be available sometime next week.

A recovery team with NTSB is expected to arrive at the crash location at about noon on Saturday.

Story and video ➤  https://www.9news.com




















One person died when a small plane went down near a neighborhood in Douglas County on Friday night.

Centennial Airport contacted South Metro Fire at 8:23 p.m. to report a plane went off the radar, according to South Metro spokesperson Eric Hurst. Hurst says the plane took off at 8:12 from the airport, which is just north of the crash scene at 11083 Pastel Point, near Parker. Details regarding the flight of the plane are still being investigated.

Hurst called this a high-speed impact crash. The plane, a Cirrus SR22, seats four to five people.

The FAA reported that the pilot was the only person on board after crews searched through debris in the open space behind the Stepping Stone subdivision to look for any other possible victims.

One large piece of debris fell from the plane and became wedged in the living room wall of a house, Hurst said. Someone was home and in the kitchen at the time. That person wasn't hurt.

Hurst told 9NEWS that the neighborhood is safe. There has not been a fire, and there is no reason to evacuate.

Several agencies are responding to this crash, including NTSB.

According to the Cirrus Aircraft website, this is a single-engine plane with a 38-foot wingspan. It is equipped with a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), but the parachute cannot launch unless the plane is at the proper elevation. Given that the plane had only been in the air about 10 minutes, 9NEWS aviation expert Greg Feith does not think the plane had sufficient altitude to use the parachute.

The first part of the investigation will involve mapping the wreckage to determine if there was a mechanical malfunction, Feith says.

The results of that investigation will not be available for some time, but there is a chance weather could have been a factor. The National Weather Service says there was only a half-mile to a mile of visibility around the airport because of fog and mist. 

The city of Lone Tree reports that RideGate Parkway east of I-25 is closed.

Story and video ➤  https://www.9news.com





DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. -- Lone Tree police identified the pilot Saturday who died in a plane crash Friday night as Dr. Robert D. Marquis. He started the Tiara Rado Animal Hospital in Grand Junction in 1983.

"Dr. Marquis and his wife live in Glade Park with their dogs Gracie and Enzo," his bio on the animal hospital's website says. "They love the outdoors, going camping, hiking, fishing, and taking their family and grandson with them. Always forward-thinking and active, his other interests include aviation – he is an instrument-rated private pilot, and serving on the Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team."

Marquis' plane, a Cirrus SR22, went down near the Stepping Stone Subdivision between the town of Parker and I-25 shortly after takeoff from Centennial Airport. The crash happened around 8:22 p.m. according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

South Metro Fire Rescue said an occupied home in Parker was struck by a large piece of debris. A piece of the airplane's engine was embedded in the back wall of a house. The occupants who were inside the home were not hurt. No residents in the neighborhood were injured.

Investigators say the Cirrus SR22 left a large debris field in open space that abuts the neighborhood. No flight plan was filed, so it's not known where Marquis was going.

An NTSB spokeswoman said Saturday morning the pilot was the only person on the plane.

The FAA said Saturday the plane took off from Centennial Airport around  8:15 p.m. Friday night. Shortly after departing, Marquis indicated he wanted to return to the airport. He didn't say why he wanted to do that. The plane disappeared from radar and crashed into the field behind some homes on Pastel Point.

The FAA said the plane crashed under unknown circumstances.

Dozens of people came to the area where the plane went down to see what happened.

South Metro Fire Rescue described it as a high-speed impact and it was estimated the debris field covered about one acre.

At least two grid searches where conducted in the field late Friday night.

Lone Tree Police released a statement late Friday night. "Tonight at approximately 9 p.m., the Lone Tree Police Department responded to a single-engine aircraft crash near RidgeGate Parkway and Chambers Street. One fatality has been confirmed. LTPD, along with South Metro Fire Rescue, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Police Department, Centennial Airport and National Transportation Safety Board, continue to search the area for debris. No residents in the area were injured."

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. The NTSB said it will take 12-18 months to issue its report on the crash.

Story and video ➤ http://kdvr.com



















South Metro Firefighters are responding to a plane crash that caused damage to a home between Parker and Lone Tree in Douglas County.

Firefighters said at least one person is dead, there were no survivors and there is a large debris field in the area. 

Photos from the scene appear to show a part of an engine lodged into the side of the side of a home in the area. Firefighters said people were inside the home when the crash happened, but no one inside was hurt.

Firefighters said the plane that went down was an Cirrus SR22, which is a small propeller plane that can seat about four to five people. Firefighters said they don't yet know how many people were on board.

Firefighters said there was no fire from the crash, and crews are searching for additional passengers.

The plane reportedly took off from the Centennial Airport at 8:12 p.m. and then dropped off of radar at 8:23 p.m. That is when the airport contacted South Metro Fire, and the wreckage was located at 8:30 p.m. Details of the flight path of the plane have not been released.

Douglas County Search and Rescue is expected to launch a drone as part of the search of the area. Crews expect to remain on scene throughout the night as they search in what they are calling a "grid like pattern" for any sign of additional passengers.

Story and video ➤ http://www.koaa.com

8 comments:

  1. Don't get it, why don't these pilots pull the parachute. Thats the whole point of a Cirrus

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  2. SAD. Why fly at night in the fog if you don't have to. Why didn't he pull the handle? He took a risky flight and than didn't use the built in escape.

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  3. Could have been spacial disorientation once he went into the thick fog/clouds, once he started turning. This happens if someone is not instrument rated or if he has not practiced instrument flying or just not recently. The report says he was turning back towards the airport, perhaps in an effort to get back to visual conditions if nothing was wrong, or, if there was engine trouble. With the crash site at 3 miles from the airport, his altitude should have been high enough to return to the airport even if he lost his engine, as even at 1000 ft/minute climb (The Cirrus climbs much faster than that) he should have been at ~3000 feet above ground after ~2 miles in the Cirrus. Instead, he likely spiraled into the ground at a high rate. Very sad, sorry, and prayers for all those who knew him and his family.

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  4. The pilot obtained his instrument rating in 2006. Question is was he proficient in IMC or was that the reason for wanting to return to the airport? I agree with the previous post that he encountered spatial disorientation and lost control of the plane and impacted the ground at a high speed. Not so sure the parachute would have saved him as I've heard if deployed above 130 knots they break loose from the airframe. SAD.

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  5. Very unfortunate for all involved. Listening to ATC he continued to turn opposite instructions even after confirming them. i.e. "...remain west" but then turned east. Now "...remain east" but turned north then west. Possible that he was not using his heading indicator, and was reversed in his mind as to what direction he was headed. As mentioned by others, he likely flew into IMC and got spatially disoriented as he was trying to sort this out in his mind. He never got above pattern altitude on departure. Reported by ATC at 6800. Site where he crashed was ~6400. You can lose 400 feet pretty quickly in that situation. The biggest mystery in my mind is what his plans were on departure with no IFR flight plan and the entire area with low ceilings and fog moving in. I flew into KAPA just a few hours before then and clouds were building at that time and continued to worsen throughout the day.

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  6. "The plane's engine flew across several acres of empty field"
    Literally! Wow. Notice the fence that thing flew over isn't broken. Thank God that thing did not go thru a window!
    Also... why go up into low ceilings at night??? It simply makes no sense.

    Would like to see the toxicology report on this one.

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  7. Wonder why he did not use the autopilot? Isn’t an A/P standard on SR22. Maybe inop?

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  8. He had about 1600 altitude at last report; plenty to pull the chute. He just did not believe he needed it, but was lost or disoriented. Sad.

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