Accident Overview
On August 22, 2008, about 1750 mountain daylight time, a Beech A100 (King Air), registration N601PC, operated by Leavitt Group Wings, LLC., under 14 CFR Part 91, impacted hilly terrain approximately 1.2 miles south of Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), Moab, Utah, shortly after takeoff. The certificated commercial pilot and nine passengers were killed. The airplane was substantially damaged during the impact and subsequent post-crash fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight destined for Cedar City Regional Airport, Utah. No flight plan was filed.
Witness Observations
No witnesses observed the accident sequence. Two pilots at the airport saw the accident pilot earlier; one spoke briefly with him about flying and did not hear the engines start. The other pilot heard the engines start and the airplane depart, but noted no unusual sounds. He later saw smoke in the distance. Several people reported the accident pilot appeared in good mood and showed no signs of physical ailments.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 41, held an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with single and multi-engine land ratings, issued July 31, 2008, and a flight instructor certificate. He had accumulated 1,817.5 total flight hours as of August 15, 2008, including 855.8 hours in multi-engine airplanes and 698.1 hours in turboprop airplanes. He completed initial King Air training in October 2005 and recurrent training in September 2007. In June 2008, he completed Eclipse upset recovery training. He had recently completed Eclipse factory training. His 72-hour history showed normal activities; his spouse reported no physical ailments or unusual behavior.
Aircraft Information
The 1975 Beech A100 (serial number B-225) was equipped with Walter turboprop engines and AVIA propellers per supplemental type certificate SA02036CH. The last inspection was a Phase II on July 18, 2008, with airframe total time 9,263.3 hours. Fueling records show 80 gallons of Jet-A added on the accident day.
Weather and Airport
Canyonlands Field Airport (elevation 4,557 ft) had clear skies, visibility 10 miles, temperature 36°C (96°F), dew point -04°C, altimeter 29.93 inHg. Density altitude was 7,980 ft. No significant wind shear or turbulence was reported. The airport was non-towered and unattended at the time.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane impacted sloping terrain in a right wing low, nose-high attitude. The debris path was 284 feet on a magnetic heading of 144 degrees. The first point of contact was the right wing. The main wreckage came to rest upright. Post-impact fire consumed most of the aircraft. Flight control continuity was established for rudder, elevators, and left aileron; right aileron cables were fire-damaged. No evidence of in-flight structural failure was found.
Engine and Propeller Examination
Both engines exhibited deformation, sooting on compressor blades, and power turbine blades embedded in shrouds. Left engine compressor bleed valve was closed; right engine bleed valve was partially open. Propeller blades showed S-bending, chordwise scratching, and leading edge gouging. The right propeller blade angle at impact was approximated at 16 degrees.
Medical and Toxicological Results
Autopsy determined cause of death as blunt force and conflagration injuries. The pilot had significant coronary artery disease: right coronary artery over 90% occluded, left anterior descending artery 60-70% occluded. Toxicology found ephedrine, naproxen, and pseudoephedrine in liver; no carbon monoxide, cyanide, or volatiles. The pilot was a non-smoker and had no known family history of heart disease.
Weight and Performance
Estimated takeoff weight was 10,842 pounds, with center of gravity at 185.48 inches. The maximum takeoff weight allowed by enroute climb requirements was 10,500 pounds, placing the airplane 342 pounds over that limit. Calculated climb rate was 1,300 feet per minute with both engines; single-engine climb capability was 90 feet per minute.