Flight History
On August 26, 2020, at about 1137 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T210N airplane, registration N64EM, was destroyed in an accident near Peyton, Colorado. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot departed Meadow Lake Airport (FLY) in Colorado Springs at about 1011 to have the oxygen system serviced at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS). The return leg from COS began at about 1125.
At FLY, a flight instructor with a student pilot in a Cessna 150 observed the accident airplane enter the pattern between their aircraft and another Cessna 150. The instructor noted minimal separation. The accident airplane appeared to extend its downwind leg and slow down. After landing, the instructor learned the accident aircraft had crashed south of the runway.
The pilot of the trailing Cessna 150 reported that the accident airplane entered downwind between his aircraft and the other Cessna 150, was significantly faster, and flew an extended downwind. During the turn to final, the accident airplane overshot the runway, increased its bank, and pitched up slightly before impacting terrain and nosing over. A fireball and smoke followed. The trailing pilot stated that all radio calls were proper.
A witness near the accident site observed the airplane's wings wiggle and estimated it was 30 to 50 ft above the ground when it nosed down, stalled, and dropped straight into terrain. The witness heard no engine sounds. No fire or smoke was seen before impact. The nose landing gear separated, and the aircraft slid and caught fire.
Radar data was consistent with the trailing pilot's account.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot initially received a notice of disapproval during a private pilot examination, with deficiencies in soft field takeoffs and short field landings. After 8.1 hours of additional training, the pilot passed the retest on October 21, 2016.
During an annual inspection on October 1, 2019, the airplane's engine exhibited low cylinder compression readings, leading to cylinder replacement. A subsequent 25-minute flight with the pilot to seat new rings was normal, though the mechanic advised using flaps.
The airplane was fueled on the accident day at about 0945 with 53.34 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation gasoline. It had two 45-gallon fuel tanks (89 gallons usable).
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage was located about 1 mile southeast of runway 33. The left wing, left elevator, and fuselage sections showed thermal damage consistent with ground fire. The outboard right wing was less affected. The fuel tank selector was on the right tank. The propeller hub remained attached; one blade had melting and deformation, while two blades separated with chordwise abrasion. The flap jack screw extension indicated retracted flaps.
Airframe and engine examinations revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Medical Information
An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology detected Ibuprofen, which is not disqualifying for FAA medical certification. No ethanol, drugs of abuse, or carboxyhemoglobin were found.