Casualties unknown

2005-04-03: Beech E55 (N3FJ) — Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins, CO, US

On April 3, 2005, a Beech E55 (registration N3FJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the left engine loss of power for reasons undetermined, and the pilot allowing the airspeed to drop below Vmc during an attempted single-engine go-around. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses reported engine problems as a twin-engine aircraft approached an airport. The airplane was high and fast, with one engine windmilling. During a go-around, it banked sharply, went inverted, and struck a building, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft and damaged the building.

Approach and Engine Issues

Witnesses observed the aircraft flying toward the airport with engines that were "running rough, cutting out, or backfiring and sputtering." As the airplane made its landing approach, it was described as "high and extremely fast." One engine was windmilling, while the other engine was reported to be "running OK." Shortly after, witnesses heard an engine "spool up for a go-around."

Loss of Control and Impact

The airplane was seen to bank left about 80 degrees. At an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet, the tail appeared to slip to the right, and the plane banked further left and went inverted. The aircraft struck a building while inverted and pointing slightly to the left. A post-impact fire ensued, destroying the airplane and substantially damaging the building.

Engine and Propeller Examination

Both engines were disassembled and inspected. The only discrepancies noted were carbon-fouling of the top and bottom spark plugs from cylinders 1 and 6 on the left engine. Disassembly of both propellers revealed that the left propeller "did not have power and was not feathered." The right propeller "was operating at moderate or high power."

Investigation Details

No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, occupants, injuries, or fatalities was provided in the source. The investigation focused on the physical evidence from the engines and propellers, as well as witness accounts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050412X00441. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.