21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Murphy Moose | N250MK

June 23rd, 2025 | Montrose, Colorado

Accident Location

  • City: Montrose
  • State: Colorado
  • Latitude: 38.519444
  • Longitude: -107.904167
  • Airport ID: KMTJ

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N250MK
  • Make: Murphy
  • Model: Moose
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Skinner, Lawrence William
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 61
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: Yes
  • Pilot Certification: Airline Transport Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 1st Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: June 23rd, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 0
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No: CEN25FA216
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the right seat PIC and CFI (William Skinner) was giving instruction to the left seat private pilot. The right seat ATP rated CFI survived the crash. The aircraft was s/n 001 of the type and was being worked on for an intended ferry flight. The aircraft registration was not valid at the time of the accident. Witnesses saw the aircraft initially depart and lose thrust, starting an immediate right turn in an apparent attempt to return to the airport. The aircraft impacted right wing low into a steep embankment. The wreckage caught fire immediately upon impact,.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearsal and condition themselves in the event of a ROTOT or LOTOT to accept a landing off field in any area suitable to sustain survival. The act of attempting the impossible turn is usually impossible, and normally results in a total off of aircraft and life.

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.