Accident Details
While on approach at night, the airplane collided with 60-foot power lines approximately 4 miles from the airport. The airplane came to rest inverted. The flight had departed from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was destined for Phoenix, Arizona.
Airport Information
The airport elevation was 3,550 feet msl, with a traffic pattern altitude of 4,350 feet (800 feet agl). The airplane's altimeter read 2,850 feet at the time of the collision.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the airplane flying at a low altitude and then a dust cloud. They also observed fuel flowing out of the engine.
Fuel Recovery
Recovery personnel noted that about 12 gallons of fuel was recovered from the left wing. No fuel was recovered from the right wing because it had ruptured. Fuel was observed and smelled on the ground around the accident site.
Pilot Communication
Unsuccessful attempts were made to obtain information from the pilot.