The airplane was destroyed when it collided with mountainous terrain at approximately 0930 Mountain time during descent from cruise altitude. Visual conditions prevailed at the accident scene; the Private pilot was fatally injured. A witness about two miles from the accident site heard the approaching airplane; its engine was “sputtering.” He did not see the airplane but heard an explosion. He ran to a clearing and saw a fire on the mountainside near the peak. Preliminary on-site investigation revealed the airplane struck the mountain in a wings-level, nose slightly low attitude, then slid downhill approximately 75 feet. The airplane and surrounding vegetation caught fire and eventually burned itself out. The landing gear and flaps were both retracted.
August 3, 2006, Mosca, Colo./Piper PA-28-180
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed into mountainous terrain during descent, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the fatal injury of the private pilot.
- A witness reported hearing the airplane's engine "sputtering" before impact and a subsequent explosion.
- Preliminary investigation revealed the airplane struck the mountain wings-level, nose slightly low, with landing gear and flaps retracted, followed by a fire.
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