Piper PA-28-180 accident near Gypsum, CO

On August 1, 2002, a Piper PA-28-180 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Gypsum, CO. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

August 1, 2002

Place

Gypsum, CO

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-180 · Airplane

Injuries

2 fatal, 2 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

39.809°N, 107.276°W

NTSB ID

20020808X01340

Official records · FTW02FA222

• Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation

Air traffic control records

• EGE Control Tower Transcript: Transcript (PDF), on ntsb.gov
• Denver AFSS Transcript: Transcript (PDF), on ntsb.gov

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 1, 2002, approximately 0855 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, N6444J, impacted the terrain while maneuvering near Gypsum, Colorado. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the Glenwood Flyers L.L.C. of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed the Eagle Regional Airport (EGE), Eagle, Colorado, approximately 0840, and was destined for Idaho Falls, Idaho. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported he departed the Glenwood Springs Municipal airport approximately 0700 en route to EGE, as the sole occupant of the airplane for that flight. The pilot reported the visibility was good; however, the flight encountered soot and smoke-haze from forest fires in the area. At 0715, the flight landed at EGE, and the pilot instructed a refueler at the fixed based operator (FBO) to "fill the tanks to the tabs." Prior to departing EGE for Idaho Falls, the pilot performed a "standard pre-flight and weight and balance checks." The pilot reported the "plane's gross weight was approximately 2,270 pounds. The certified maximum gross weight is 2,400 pounds." At 0830, the luggage was stowed, and the pilot and the three passengers boarded the airplane. The luggage consisted of a back pack, a lap top computer, and four

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to perform remedial action and maintain clearance with the rising mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's poor planning/decision, the rising terrain, and the high density altitude.

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Browse: Colorado · Piper aircraft

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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.