On October 25, 1990, a Cessna T210M (registration N761TW) operated by West Star Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Carbondale, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a canyon environment, resulting in collision with a high-voltage power line. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed into a high-voltage power line shortly after maintenance, while flying at low altitude in a canyon during delivery to the owner.
What happened
The aircraft was being delivered to its new owner following the completion of required maintenance procedures. During the flight phase leading up to the accident site, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude within a canyon environment. Approximately one mile prior to the point of impact, the aircraft remained visible to observers before disappearing behind higher terrain features.
Subsequently, the aircraft collided with a high-voltage power line and crashed in that vicinity. There were no reports of pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions detected during the examination of the wreckage.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the recovered aircraft components revealed no evidence of pre-impact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft systems. The investigation focused on determining whether mechanical issues contributed to the loss of control or altitude, but none were found.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a canyon environment, resulting in collision with a high-voltage power line.
What happened in the 25 Oct 1990 Cessna T210M accident near Carbondale, CO?
An aircraft crashed into a high-voltage power line shortly after maintenance, while flying at low altitude in a canyon during delivery to the owner.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N761TW, operated by West Star Aviation, Inc., at Carbondale, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while flying at low altitude in a canyon environment, resulting in collision with a high-voltage power line.
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