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Air Ambulance Strikes Mountainside after Engine Problem and Weather Diversion (N26JB)

Glenwood Spring, CO, US

On February 14, 1992, a Swearingen SA-26AT (registration N26JB) was involved in an aviation accident near Glenwood Spring, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MALFUNCTION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE FUEL CONTROL THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FLAME OUT, AND DELAMINATION OF THE LEFT ENGINE COMPRESSOR SHROUD. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED, THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE DARK NIGHT, AND THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An air ambulance pilot feathered the right propeller after reporting engine trouble, then returned to base in a snowstorm at night, impacting a mountainside. All five occupants survived and were rescued the next day. Investigation found mechanical issues in both engines.

Event Summary

While in flight, the pilot of an air ambulance reported 'a bit of a problem' with the right engine and feathered the right propeller. He attempted to divert to the nearest suitable airport but, after receiving its latest weather report, elected to return to base. The aircraft made a left turn, reentered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and impacted a mountainside on a magnetic heading of 092 degrees. The heading to the intended landing airport was 272 degrees. The accident occurred during a snow storm at night. All five occupants survived and were rescued the following afternoon.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the right engine revealed thick grease on the fuel control cam shaft that prevented a spring from returning the 3D cam to a lower altitude position. The cam was found stuck on the shaft at a position equating to an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet. Additionally, the fuel flow schedule for flight idle was below specifications. Examination of the left engine found delaminated shroud material from the second stage compressor housing.

Weather Conditions

The accident occurred at night during a snow storm. The aircraft reentered IMC before impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 1992 Swearingen SA-26AT accident near Glenwood Spring, CO?

An air ambulance pilot feathered the right propeller after reporting engine trouble, then returned to base in a snowstorm at night, impacting a mountainside. All five occupants survived and were rescued the next day. Investigation found mechanical issues in both engines.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 1992 Swearingen SA-26AT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 1992 involved a Swearingen SA-26AT, registration N26JB, at Glenwood Spring, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

MALFUNCTION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE FUEL CONTROL THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FLAME OUT, AND DELAMINATION OF THE LEFT ENGINE COMPRESSOR SHROUD. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED, THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE DARK NIGHT, AND THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14097. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.