Cessna T210 — Peyton, CO

What happened

The pilot was returning to the airport in and entered the airplane into the traffic pattern between two airplanes that flew slower. The flight instructor in the leading airplane stated that there was not much separation between the airplanes, and the pilot in the trailing airplane noted that the leading airplane appeared to be significantly slower than the accident airplane. The pilot in the trailing airplane stated that the accident airplane flew an extended downwind leg and that, while the accident airplane was turning final, it overshot the runway, increased its bank, and pitched up slightly. The pilot in the trailing airplane stated the accident pilot made all “proper” radio calls, including for the final turn, without any mention of malfunctions. A witness on the ground saw the airplane’s wings “wiggle”; he estimated the airplane was about 30 to 50 ft above the ground when it nosed down, then stalled, dropped “straight” in, and impacted terrain. He also stated that he did not hear any engine sounds.

The trailing pilot’s account of the events was consistent with a video playback of radar data.

No preimpact anomalies were found during postaccident examinations of the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and the airplane had sufficient fuel onboard. Thus, it is likely that the pilot entered the traffic pattern behind a slower airplane, and, in an attempt to add more space between his airplane and the one ahead, he reduced the speed and increased airplane pitch to the point where it exceeded critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall as he turned onto the final leg of the traffic pattern.

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