Aircraft strikes utility pole during approach to Pueblo, Colorado

Casualties unknown • Pueblo, CO, US

An aircraft diverted to Pueblo, Colorado, following an engine issue crashed after striking a static wire on a 75-foot pole during an ILS approach.

What happened

Following an issue with the left engine, the pilot of N1666H diverted to Pueblo, Colorado. The aircraft was provided vectors for an ILS approach to runway 8L, and the pilot reported seeing the runway near the outer marker.

A tower air traffic controller observed the aircraft on its approach and noted that as it passed through a scud layer, the airplane appeared to be in a steep descent. Simultaneously, the captain of a Mesa Airlines flight following behind N1666H reported flying through fog near the accident site, which obscured his view of the runway.

The aircraft struck a marked static wire located at the top of a 75-foot pole. The impact occurred approximately 7,000 feet from the approach end of runway 8L.

The investigation

Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of any pre-impact malfunction involving the engines, propellers, flight control systems, or the airframe structure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-02-21 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Pueblo, CO?

An aircraft diverted to Pueblo, Colorado, following an engine issue crashed after striking a static wire on a 75-foot pole during an ILS approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-02-21 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N1666H, operated by Winicki, Sidney, at Pueblo, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER GLIDE PATH AND SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22540. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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