12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Cessna 421-C Golden Eagle | N245T

June 17th, 2024 | Steam Boat Springs, Colorado

Accident Location

  • City: Steam Boat Springs
  • State: Colorado
  • Latitude: 40.507283
  • Longitude: -106.86669
  • Airport ID: KSBS

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N245T
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 421-C Golden Eagle
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Multi Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Dunn, Daniel Alan
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 67
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: June 17th, 2024
  • Time: 4:25 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Approach
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No: CEN24FA228
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be the loss of the left engine, and the pilots attempt to turn left into the dead engine as part of establishing a left base for runway 32 profile. The aircraft operated at maximum power on the right engine, while the left engine was never feathered or secured. The high drag configuration required the pilot to pitch up in order to maintain altitude, whereupon the aircraft was cross controlled, below Vmc, and turning into the dead engine. The aircraft stalled and rolled left, impacting nearly vertical.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all multi-engine aircraft become familiar with AQP memory items for loss of a powerplant in flight, and condition themselves through regular rigorous recurrent conditioning to be able to effect a proper outcome if necessary. The DTSB recommends to lower the nose, put the gear up, level the wings, Identify, verify, and feather. Make no turns until the aircraft is safely at DMMS (same as Vyse) and a minimum of 1000 feet of altitude is attained above ground level. The DTSB recommends to never turn into a failed engine.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.