History of Flight
On August 31, 2014, at about 1150 mountain daylight time, a Piper Malibu PA-46-350P airplane, registered N228LL, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Erie Municipal Airport (EIK) in Erie, Colorado. The private pilot and four passengers on board were fatally injured. The flight, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, originated at Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Multiple witnesses at and around EIK observed the accident airplane on final approach to runway 33 while another airplane was departing runway 15. Witnesses reported that the two airplanes crossed in close proximity. The accident airplane continued down runway 33, and witnesses heard an increase in engine power, as if to initiate a go-around. One witness described the airplane at low altitude with full power, in a left bank with a nose-high attitude. Witnesses noted that the airplane appeared unwilling to fly, seemed to be in a stall, and did not accelerate or climb. It then entered a rapid descent until impacting the terrain.
Personnel Information
The 67-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He held a third-class medical certificate issued on June 30, 2014, with the limitation that he must wear corrective lenses. On his most recent medical application, he reported 1,300 total flight hours, with 60 hours in the previous six months. His logbook was not located during the investigation.
Aircraft Information
The 1994 Piper Malibu PA-46-350P, serial number 4622164, is a six-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane powered by a Lycoming Engines TIO-540 engine rated at 350 horsepower, driving a Hartzell two-blade variable-pitch propeller. According to the airplane's logbooks, the most recent annual inspection was completed on December 4, 2013, at a Hobbs time of 2,808.8 hours. The tachometer indicated a total airframe time of 2,910.7 hours at the time of the accident.
Fuel records showed that the airplane had been refueled on the morning of the accident with 12.98 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel at EIK. Additional receipts indicated previous refueling: 73.54 gallons on August 15, 39.01 gallons on July 18, and 67.24 gallons on July 13, 2014.
Meteorological Information
The automated weather observation system at EIK reported at 1135: wind from 160 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, temperature 21°C, dew point 10°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury.
Airport Information
Erie Municipal Airport is a non-towered airport in Class G airspace beneath Class B airspace. It has a single runway (15/33) that is 4,700 feet long and 60 feet wide, with an elevation of 5,119 feet above mean sea level.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft impacted the edge of a culvert about 350 yards west of runway 33. The initial impact point led to a debris field spanning about 180 feet on a 300-degree heading. The main wreckage came to rest inverted on a heading of approximately 158 degrees. The fuselage sustained crushing damage along its belly skins; the engine and baggage compartment partially separated from the forward pressure bulkhead. The tail section separated from the aft fuselage but remained attached by control cables. The main cabin remained mostly intact, with all six seats attached to the floor.
Control cable continuity was established for the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. The fuel selector valve and cockpit fuel lever were found in the off position; first responders stated they moved the selector during rescue activities. The gascolator bowl had a trace amount of fuel but was otherwise dry and free of contaminants. The fuel filter showed minor particles but no contamination. No water contamination was evident.
Both wings sustained impact damage. The left wing remained attached; flaps and ailerons were intact, with the landing gear retracted. The right wing was broken at the main spar and partially separated. The engine was examined and found to have no preexisting mechanical malfunctions. Compression was established on all cylinders, sparkplugs appeared worn out but normal, and both magnetos produced spark. Fuel was present in the servo, lines, and flow divider. No anomalies were noted in the oil system or turbochargers. Propeller blades showed chordwise polishing and scratches consistent with rotation at impact.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy conducted by the Weld County Coroner attributed the pilot's cause of death to multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological tests performed by the FAA were negative for carbon monoxide, alcohol, and drugs.
Tests and Research
Examination of the annunciator panel showed no stretched filaments, indicating the lights were not illuminated at impact. An Apple iPad tablet found in the wreckage was damaged and passcode-protected; after unsuccessful attempts, it was disabled and no further recovery was possible.
Other Information
Radar data from Denver ASR-9 was reviewed. Moments before the accident, N228LL was on approach to runway 33 and passed in close proximity to N573MS, which had departed runway 15. Radar data showed the closest lateral separation was approximately 0.12 nautical miles (729 feet) with a vertical separation of 200 feet and increasing. N228LL's flight track showed nothing unusual after the encounter; it continued a normal descent. N573MS made an abrupt deviation to the west after departure. No ATC communications were available, as both aircraft were operating VFR in Class G airspace without a tower. Witness reports indicated N228LL appeared to attempt a go-around, but radar coverage was insufficient to confirm.