On October 3, 1990, a Cessna T210N (registration N6477N) operated by Denver Air Center, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gypsum, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to ice accumulation, which resulted in a spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot filed an IFR flight plan despite known thunderstorms and icing along the route. Ice accumulated on the aircraft near Gypsum, leading to a loss of control and a spin that resulted in ground impact.
What happened
The pilot obtained a weather briefing before filing an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. Thunderstorms and icing conditions were present along the intended route. During the flight, ice formed on the aircraft in the vicinity of Gypsum, Colorado. The flight continued until the pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft. It entered into a spin which continued until ground impact.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was ice accumulation on the aircraft structure. This icing condition led directly to a loss of control and subsequent spin. The presence of thunderstorms and icing along the route indicated hazardous weather conditions that were known prior to departure.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to ice accumulation, which resulted in a spin.
What happened in the 3 Oct 1990 Cessna T210N accident near Gypsum, CO?
A pilot filed an IFR flight plan despite known thunderstorms and icing along the route. Ice accumulated on the aircraft near Gypsum, leading to a loss of control and a spin that resulted in ground impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N6477N, operated by Denver Air Center, Inc., at Gypsum, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to ice accumulation, which resulted in a spin.
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