Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer crash, Jul 18, 2002 (2 killed)
Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer accident on July 18, 2002 near Estes Park, Colorado, United States with 2 fatalities. Cause: In-flight failure of the...
- Date: July 18, 2002
- Aircraft: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado, United States
- Fatalities: 2
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: In-flight failure of the left wing due to fatigue cracking in the forward spar and wing skin. Inadequate maintenance procedures to detect the cracking were a contributing factor.
A former military PB4Y-2 Privateer converted to an air tanker lost its left wing in flight while maneuvering to drop retardant near Estes Park. The airplane entered a steep dive and crashed into mountainous terrain, killing both crew. The wing failed from fatigue cracking in the forward spar, which the owner's inspection procedures did not adequately cover.