On November 12, 1990, a Cessna T210L (registration N732DS) operated by Barrett, Lawrence Collins was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE TURNING OVER HIGH TERRAIN BESIDE THE AIRPORT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane cleared for takeoff at 1215 crashed in a slightly inverted attitude about a quarter mile west of the airport. No evidence of mechanical failure was found, but the aircraft was 80-90 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit.
Incident Details
The aircraft was cleared for takeoff at 1215 hours. Shortly after departure, the controller inquired whether the pilot would be departing to the southwest or proceeding north and down the valley. The pilot replied only with his call sign. The controller observed what appeared to be a normal takeoff, but then his attention was diverted to other traffic. When he looked back at the aircraft, it was in a steep left turn. The aircraft subsequently crashed about one-quarter mile west of the airport, impacting in a slightly inverted attitude. The airport is surrounded by high mountainous terrain.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of failure or malfunction in the airframe, engine, propeller, or any aircraft systems. The aircraft's weight was estimated to be 80 to 90 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit. No further causes were determined.
What happened in the 12 Nov 1990 Cessna T210L accident near Aspen, CO?
An airplane cleared for takeoff at 1215 crashed in a slightly inverted attitude about a quarter mile west of the airport. No evidence of mechanical failure was found, but the aircraft was 80-90 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N732DS, operated by Barrett, Lawrence Collins, at Aspen, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE TURNING OVER HIGH TERRAIN BESIDE THE AIRPORT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: EXCESSIVE GROSS WEIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, THE TERRAIN, AND LACK OF AVAILABLE…
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