History of Flight
On July 6, 2023, a Piper PA-60-601P airplane, registration N100PB, was destroyed when it impacted a fallow cornfield about 11.8 nautical miles southwest of Kit Carson County Airport (ITR) in Burlington, Colorado. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Video surveillance at ITR showed the airplane departing the runway around 1330 mountain daylight time. A review of air traffic control communications and radar data revealed that the pilot was not in contact with ATC, and no radar returns were recorded for any aircraft in the vicinity. ADS-B data also showed no track data. No witnesses to the accident were identified, and the actual time of impact could not be determined.
In a previous conversation, the accident pilot mentioned having problems with both GPS units, stating that otherwise he would have filed IFR but instead had to go VFR. When asked about his destination, he replied, "about as far west as you can get."
Personnel Information
The pilot's logbook was not recovered. On his most recent FAA medical certificate application, he reported 20,000 hours of total flight experience and 150 hours in the preceding six months.
Aircraft Information
Maintenance records for the airplane were not located. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 173.5 gallons (165.5 gallons usable), with two wing tanks and a fuselage tank. Fuel receipts indicated that the pilot added 113.4 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel from self-serve pumps at ITR before departure.
Meteorological Information
The accident site was near Burlington, Colorado, at a field elevation of about 4,275 ft msl. Weather data from official sources indicated widespread low instrument flight rule (LIFR) conditions in the morning, transitioning to marginal VFR by early afternoon. The nearest weather station, KITR, reported at 1353 MDT: wind from 130° at 14 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 1,000 ft agl, overcast ceiling at 1,800 ft agl, temperature 19°C, dew point 16°C.
Earlier, between 0600 and 1200 MDT, LIFR conditions prevailed with visibility below 1 statute mile in fog and vertical visibility as low as 200 ft. A High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model sounding for 1300 MDT near the accident site indicated a saturated atmosphere, with a lifted condensation level at 296 ft agl and estimated cloud ceilings broken at 300 ft and overcast at 800 ft agl. The sounding also indicated a high probability of carburetor or induction icing from the surface to 12,000 ft.
Satellite imagery at 1331 MDT showed widespread low stratiform clouds over eastern Colorado. Multiple AIRMETs were in effect, including AIRMET Sierra for IFR conditions, AIRMET Tango for moderate turbulence, and AIRMET Zulu for potential icing. No official weather briefing was obtained by the pilot before departure.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted a fallow cornfield, leaving a 350-ft-long debris path oriented on a 345° magnetic heading. The main wreckage showed a near wings-level nose-down attitude. The nose landing gear wheel and fork were found separated about 325 ft from initial impact. Wing tips separated from both wings.
Examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Flight control continuity could not be verified due to extensive impact and fire damage. The landing gear selector was found in the up and locked position, and the gear was retracted. The instrument panel was destroyed. The altimeter indicated 4,200 ft with a setting of 30.13 in Hg. The pressurization controller was set to 12,500 ft. Both magneto switches were found in the "Off" position.
Both engines sustained impact damage. The left engine exhibited camshaft and lifter spalling. Both propellers separated from their flanges; all six blades showed chordwise gouging consistent with rotation at impact.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries and the manner as accident. Toxicology testing detected ethanol in various tissues at concentrations ranging from 0.012 to 0.043 g/hg. The report noted that postmortem ethanol production is possible, especially with extensive traumatic injury, and that consuming alcohol is not the only source of ethanol in postmortem specimens.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not state a probable cause.