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Engine Failure and Stall Lead to Crash Near Aspen (N6812R)

Aspen, CO, US

On April 9, 1989, a Cessna T210F (registration N6812R) operated by Kirk, Rodney was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE ENGINE FALURE DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE WIND CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN THE ATTEMPT TO GLIDE TO THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ALSO FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE GLIDE WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Pilot reported engine failure on base leg to runway 33, attempted glide but crashed 1 mile southeast; post-crash fire destroyed aircraft; engine later tested normal; witnesses reported low-altitude stall.

Accident Overview

A pilot returning to Aspen after a flight of approximately 1.5 hours radioed the control tower while on base leg to runway 33 and reported that the engine had failed. The pilot attempted to glide to the runway but crashed about 1 mile southeast of the airport. A post-crash fire destroyed the airplane.

Engine Examination

After the accident, the engine was operationally tested and found to be capable of normal operation. No mechanical deficiencies were identified that would have prevented the engine from functioning properly.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was blowing from the northwest at 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots.

Witness Reports

Witnesses near the accident site stated that the airplane 'stalled out' at a low altitude. The combination of engine failure and stall at low altitude resulted in the aircraft impacting terrain short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Apr 1989 Cessna T210F accident near Aspen, CO?

Pilot reported engine failure on base leg to runway 33, attempted glide but crashed 1 mile southeast; post-crash fire destroyed aircraft; engine later tested normal; witnesses reported low-altitude stall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Apr 1989 involved a Cessna T210F, registration N6812R, operated by Kirk, Rodney, at Aspen, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE ENGINE FALURE DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE WIND CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN THE ATTEMPT TO GLIDE TO THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ALSO FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE GLIDE WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28072. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.