Accident Details
On July 8, 2010, at approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, an American Champion 8KCAB airplane, registration N56BC, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain in a wilderness area near Estes Park, Colorado. The two pilots on board sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The airplane departed Greeley-Weld County Airport (GXY) in Greeley, Colorado, at 1130, en route to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) in Aspen, Colorado. According to the pilot, while attempting to cross a mountain pass, he performed a 180-degree turn to gain altitude. During the turn, the airplane encountered a strong downdraft. The pilot applied full power but was unable to arrest the descent.
Wreckage and Impact
The pilot executed a forced landing upslope in a heavily forested area within a remote canyon. The elevation at the impact location was approximately 11,000 feet mean sea level. Both wings were bent aft and partially separated from the fuselage. A postaccident examination revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
A review of weather radar and satellite imagery identified convective development at the accident location just prior to the accident.