History of Flight
On November 23, 2024, about 1115 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182T airplane, registration N434CP, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Drake, Colorado. The aircraft was operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 federal public use training flight. The flight crew consisted of the pilot, a mission observer, and a photographer. The pilot and photographer sustained fatal injuries, while the mission observer sustained serious injuries.
The purpose of the flight was to perform aerial photography for the Red Cross for emergency response planning. The flight originated from Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL) in Loveland, Colorado, at about 0930. The pilot occupied the front left seat, the mission observer (who was pilot-certificated and survived) sat in the front right seat, and the photographer (also pilot-certificated) was in the right rear seat.
According to ADS-B data, the airplane departed FNL and flew to the target area, making several north-to-south and east-to-west orbits before turning east toward FNL. It then turned north, made a left turn south, followed almost immediately by a right turn northwest, after which the flight track ended.
The mission observer stated that the photography mission consisted of flying large circles over mountain roads and a valley. After completion, the pilot flew south of the mission area. The observer thought they were returning to base, but the pilot maneuvered over trees at about 1,500 ft above ground level heading toward a ridgeline. Within seconds, the pilot exclaimed, “Oh [expletive],” lowered the nose, and began a turn. The observer reported the airplane seemed to drop, likely due to a downdraft. He heard the airplane hitting trees, and then found himself on the ground. He attempted to assist the pilot and photographer and was concerned about fire. The entire sequence lasted a few seconds. His cell phone automatically dialed 911, and he was rescued by helicopter. The rescue helicopter’s flight nurse commented that winds were swirling during the rescue.
The mission observer noted that the airplane and engine operated normally throughout the flight, with normal communications between the crew and CAP base. No distress calls were heard.
Meteorological Information
A High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model sounding near the accident site at 1100 indicated moderate turbulence between 12,000 and 13,000 ft mean sea level, with winds from the southwest at 10 to 16 knots. Seven pilot reports (PIREPs) within 35 miles and below flight level 200, between 0900 and 1300, reported moderate turbulence. No Convective Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) advisories were active for the area.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was on a steep slope in rough mountainous terrain, approximately 75 ft downslope from a ridgeline. All major components of the airplane were found within the site. The fuselage had severe impact damage to the cabin and engine compartments, lay upright, and was positioned upslope. Sections of both wings were adjacent to the fuselage. A portion of the right outboard wing was wrapped around a tree about 35 ft above ground and 50 ft upslope from the main wreckage. Cut tree branches were consistent with propeller blade contact. All three propeller blades had leading edge damage.
Due to the steep, rough terrain, on-site examination was limited. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for detailed examination. Follow-up inspection confirmed flight control continuity. The engine exhibited no preaccident anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office determined the pilot’s cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries and the manner as accidental. Toxicology testing at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected Fluconazole in the pilot’s blood and liver. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication acceptable for use by pilots.