NTSB Identification: DFW08FA131
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, May 08, 2008 in Black Hawk, CO
Aircraft: Cessna 182H, registration: N8553S
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may
contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when
the final report has been completed.
On May 8, 2008 at approximately 1545 mountain daylight time, a
single engine Cessna 182H, N8553S, impacted terrain and was
destroyed following a partial loss of engine power near Black Hawk,
Colorado. The private pilot was fatally injured and the passenger
sustained serious injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by
Winkmaggair LLC. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were
reported by the passenger and an instrument flight plan was filed
for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The
cross country flight originated from Glenwood Springs Airport
(GWS), Glenwood Springs, Colorado at approximately 1508 and was
destined for Boulder Municipal Airport (BDU), Boulder,
Colorado.
In a statement provided to the NTSB, the passenger reported that
at 16,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the airplane entered clouds
with light snow after they passed Eagle County Airport (EGE). While
en route to Boulder the airplane had difficultly maintaining
altitude and the engine began to sputter. The passenger recalled
that the pilot stated that they were experiencing a "mixture
problem" and began adjusting the mixture control. The airplane
began descending as the pilot attempted to troubleshoot the engine
malfunction. The passenger stated that the airplane would "nose
over" as the pilot attempted to control the airplane. The pilot
continued to fly the airplane until they impacted a mountain at
10,400 feet MSL. The passenger egressed the airplane, freed the
pilot, called for emergency services, and attempted to provide
medical assistance to the pilot. The accident site was discovered
by a local news helicopter and search and rescue (SAR) parties
provided assistance.
The NTSB, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and technical
representatives from Cessna aircraft, and Teledyne Continental
Motors (TCM), examined the wreckage at the accident site. The
wreckage was found in the upright position; several trees were
damaged along the airplane's flight path into the terrain. All
major components were accounted for at the accident site. Both
wings and the horizontal stabilizer were crushed in multiple
locations. Both fuel tank were breached, but fuel remained in both
tanks. The fuselage was crushed on the pilot's side and the engine
was partially buried into the snow and soil.
Upon recovery, the wreckage will be transported to a secure
facility for further examination.
At 1545, an automated weather observation facility at Rocky
Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), located approximately 22.5
nautical miles east of the accident site, reported winds from 350
degrees at 5 knots, visibility 30 statute miles, scattered clouds
at 6,000 feet, ceiling broken at 11,000 feet, temperature 59
degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 41 degrees Fahrenheit, barometric
pressure of 29.78 inches of Mercury, and a remark that cumulonimbus
clouds were present in all quadrants.