On February 21, 1990, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N1666H) operated by Winicki, Sidney was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER GLIDE PATH AND SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot diverted to Pueblo after a left engine problem. While on the ILS approach to Runway 8L, the airplane struck a static wire atop a 75-ft pole. Postaccident investigation found no preimpact malfunction.
Incident
The pilot of N1666H diverted to Pueblo, Colorado after experiencing a problem with the left engine. He was given vectors for the ILS approach to Runway 8L and reported the runway in sight near the outer marker. An air traffic controller in the tower cab stated he saw N1666H on the approach and as the airplane 'passed through a scud layer, it appeared to be in a steep descent.' The captain of a Mesa Airlines flight executing the approach behind N1666H stated he flew through a layer of fog in the vicinity of the accident site and his view of the runway was obscured. The airplane struck the marked static wire atop a 75-ft pole, approximately 7,000 ft from the approach end of Runway 8L.
Investigation
Postaccident investigation revealed no evidence of a preimpact malfunction of the airframe structure, flight control systems, engines, or propellers.