Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN02LA009

Evans, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N6925

Esbenshade Starduster Too SA300

Analysis

The pilot said that he descended from 6,500 feet mean sea level for a "scenic flight" along the river (elevation 4,671 feet). He struck a wire and during the subsequent recovery attempt, he impacted several trees. All four wings were bent, the engine separated from its mounts, and the fuselage was wrinkled.

Factual Information

On November 10, 2001, at approximately 1200 mountain standard time, an Esbenshade Starduster Too SA300 homebuilt airplane, N6925, was destroyed when it impacted a transmission wire, and subsequently struck several trees near Evans, Colorado. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that originated approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident, and was en route to Boulder, Colorado. The pilot did not file a flight plan. The pilot said that he descended from 6,500 feet mean sea level for a "scenic flight" along the river (elevation 4,671 feet). He struck a wire and during the subsequent recovery attempt, he impacted several trees. All four wings were bent, the engine separated from its mounts, and the fuselage was wrinkled.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the wires. A contributing factor was the trees the airplane struck while the pilot was attempting to regain aircraft control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports