Flight Departs Nashville, Unable to Land at Aspen, Experiences Engine Failure and Strikes Power Lines (N249JM)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-12-02 involved a Cessna 421B, registration N249JM, operated by Thomas J. Mccarthney, at Franktown, CO.

On December 2, 1985, a Cessna 421B (registration N249JM) operated by Thomas J. Mccarthney was involved in an aviation accident near Franktown, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A flight from Nashville to Aspen made a refueling stop in Kansas, but was unable to land at Aspen or alternate airport Eagle. After returning toward Denver, the pilots reported low fuel, then engine failure. During descent, the aircraft hit power lines and the ground. Inspection found 2-3 gallons of fuel remaining in each main tank.

Departure and Refueling

The aircraft departed Nashville, Tennessee, for a flight to Aspen, Colorado. The pilots made one refueling stop at Chanute, Kansas.

Diversion and Fuel Emergency

The pilots were unable to land at Aspen or a nearby alternate airport (Eagle, Colorado) and elected to return to the Denver area. The pilots indicated to an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) controller that they were low on fuel.

Engine Failure and Descent

Before they could reach an airport, the pilot told the controller they had experienced an engine failure and thought they had run out of fuel. During the emergency descent, the aircraft struck an electrical power pole, power lines, and then the ground.

Post-Accident Inspection

Inspection of the aircraft revealed 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remaining in each main fuel tank.

1985-12-02: Cessna 421B (N249JM) — Thomas J. Mccarthney — Franktown, CO