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Passenger Fatally Injured in Post-Impact Fire During Sightseeing Flight in Colorado Mountains (N3783K)

Durango, CO, US

On July 27, 1993, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3783K) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ENTRY INTO A BOX CANYON AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. 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

During a local sightseeing flight, the pilot entered the wrong drainage, attempted a climb, then slowed to near stall speed. The aircraft struck trees, spun, and collided with terrain. The passenger's fatal injuries were due to post-impact fire.

Incident Details

The pilot was conducting a local sightseeing flight when he decided to fly to Purgatory, Colorado, a trip he had made many times before. While at approximately 6,500 feet MSL, he turned left into what he believed was the Hermosa Creek drainage but was actually the Buck Creek drainage. Upon seeing high terrain on both sides and ahead of the airplane, the pilot recognized his error and immediately initiated a maximum performance climb.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane neared the end of the canyon, the pilot opted not to risk a stall by attempting to turn around. Instead, he slowed the aircraft to just above stall speed. Subsequently, the airplane struck the tops of trees, spun around, and collided with the terrain.

Aftermath

Emergency response personnel arrived at the scene. The passenger's fatal injuries were determined to have been caused by post-impact fire. The pilot's condition and other details were not specified in the report.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1993 Globe GC-1B accident near Durango, CO?

During a local sightseeing flight, the pilot entered the wrong drainage, attempted a climb, then slowed to near stall speed. The aircraft struck trees, spun, and collided with terrain. The passenger's fatal injuries were due to post-impact fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 1993 Globe GC-1B accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1993 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N3783K, at Durango, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ENTRY INTO A BOX CANYON AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12884. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.