Mechanical & Engine Failure · NTSB CEN10FA458

BEECH C35 — Rollinsville, CO

3 fatal High-time pilot
DateAugust 4, 2010
LocationRollinsville, CO
AircraftBEECH C35
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceUnknown Loss of engine power (total)
Pilot age70
Pilot total time4,906 hrs · High time
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities3

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

What happened

Forest service personnel discovered the wreckage of the airplane on the side of a narrow, wooded valley after reports of fire in the area. Ground scars and damage to adjacent trees were consistent with the airplane having struck trees before impacting the ground. One propeller blade was located 250 feet from the main wreckage. Damage to the propeller blade and blade hub was consistent with separation due to the impact with trees and indicative of little to no rotation at impact. Examination of the remaining airplane, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies. No reason for a possible loss of engine power or the impact with terrain could be determined.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

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