VFR into IMC · NTSB CEN14FA064
CESSNA T210 — Cedaredge, CO
| Date | November 20, 2013 |
| Location | Cedaredge, CO |
| Aircraft | CESSNA T210 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Night · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute Aircraft structural failure |
| Pilot age | 57 |
| Pilot total time | 1,560 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | 950 hrs |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Spatial disorientation-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Spar (on wing)-Capability exceeded - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Effect on personnel - C
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Snow-Effect on personnel - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring equip/instruments-Pilot - F
What happened
The instrument-rated pilot was flying the airplane inbound to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) on a night visual flight rules flight. While level at 13,500 feet msl, the pilot requested an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance, most likely due to worsening weather conditions associated with snow showers. The controller issued an IFR clearance and requested that the pilot transmit the necessary flight plan information. While the pilot transmitted this information, the airplane began a climbing left turn. After noticing the airplane turn about 180 degrees, the controller queried the pilot, who had not recognized the turn and stated that his autopilot had disconnected. The controller subsequently issued the pilot a heading back toward ASE, which the pilot accepted. However, the airplane continued to turn left and then began a rapid descent to impact. Portions of the left wing, left flap and aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were found separated from the main wreckage area. It is likely that the airplane entered instrument conditions, and the pilot became spatially disoriented as he was coordinating the instrument clearance and was unaware of the airplane's left turn and climb after the autopilot disconnected. Further, during the final rapid descent, the design stress limits of the airplane were exceeded and an in-flight breakup occurred.