Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) crash, Nov 17, 1996 (5 killed)
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident on November 17, 1996 near Eagle County-FlyVail, Colorado, United States with 5 fatalities. Cause: The...
- Date: November 17, 1996
- Aircraft: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
- Location: Eagle County-FlyVail, Colorado, United States
- Fatalities: 5
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: The pilot initiated flight into known adverse weather without the certification to do so. The weather and contraindicated drug use were factors.
A non-instrument-rated pilot took off from Eagle County in low ceilings, low visibility and falling snow on an IFR flight plan, and reported he was returning before losing control. The Piper Aerostar struck a ridge, bounced about 1,000 feet and struck another ridge, then burned. Engine examination pointed to a very rich mixture in the right engine, and the pilot had a history of depression, bipolar disorder and drug use.