History of Flight
On October 5, 2020, at about 1304 mountain daylight time, a Beech S35 airplane, N4444K, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Telluride, Colorado. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The airplane departed on a planned visual flight rules cross-country flight from runway 27 at TEX. Automated dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed a normal takeoff and a subsequent left turn toward the east. The airplane proceeded east into a box canyon and an area of rising terrain. Before entering the box canyon, the airplane did not maneuver toward the west, where the terrain was lower. The data indicated a gradual climb for about 8 miles into the canyon, followed by a right turn to the south, immediately after which the airplane impacted terrain. No known radio distress calls were received from the pilot after takeoff.
Personnel Information
The pilot was a professional commercial air carrier pilot. The available evidence did not show the amount of high-altitude mountain flying experience the pilot had accumulated in single-engine airplanes.
Aircraft Information
Weight and balance calculations showed that the airplane, including full fuel tanks, the two occupants, and all baggage, was about 300 pounds under maximum gross takeoff weight.
Meteorological Information
The calculated density altitude at the accident site was about 13,747 ft. The freezing level was just above 17,000 ft with no structural icing conditions. Light-to-moderate turbulence was generally indicated near the accident site.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was located in rugged mountainous terrain about 8 miles east of TEX, at an elevation of 11,823 feet msl. Surrounding terrain to the north, east, and south was higher, with peaks ranging from about 12,000 to 14,000 ft. The wreckage showed evidence of a nearly vertical impact. Most of the forward fuselage was crushed, and both wings had impact damage across the leading edges. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. All structural damage was consistent with ground impact, with no evidence of preimpact anomalies.
Engine continuity was confirmed. A torsional break of the propeller flange was consistent with rotation at impact. All physical damage to the engine was consistent with ground impact; no preimpact anomalies were found. Two of the three propeller blades were recovered; their physical damage was consistent with rotation at ground impact. The third blade’s hub attachment showed impact damage, and the hub showed no evidence of preimpact failure.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on the pilot was performed by the Division of Forensic Pathology, Montrose Memorial Hospital, Montrose, Colorado. The cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. Toxicology tests performed by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory were negative for drugs and alcohol. An unmeasured amount of fexofenadine (Allegra) and its metabolite, azacyclonol, were detected in the pilot’s specimens. Fexofenadine is a nonsedating antihistamine used to treat allergies and is acceptable for pilots to use.