Pilot’s Family Notified Local Authorities That The Flight Was Overdue

Location: Victor, CO Accident Number: CEN23FA174
Date & Time: May 6, 2023, 10:00 Local Registration: N15188
Aircraft: Pool Cessna 172 Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 6, 2023, about 1000 mountain daylight time, a Pool-Cessna airplane, N15188, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Victor, Colorado. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the airport manager, the flight departed the Fremont County Airport (1V6), Canon City, Colorado, about 0920, with an intended destination of Centennial Airport (APA), Centennial, Colorado. Later in the day, the pilot’s family notified local authorities that the flight was overdue. The accident site was subsequently located in mountainous terrain early the following morning.

The accident site was located in mountainous terrain about 15 miles north of the departure airport. The airplane impacted trees and terrain on an approximate 300° heading. The right wing was separated near the root and was suspended in a tree about 35 ft southeast of the site. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, left wing, empennage, engine, and propeller. The airplane came to rest inverted and a postimpact fire ensued. A majority of the fuselage from the cockpit to the aft fuselage was consumed.

A preliminary airframe examination established flight control continuity from the rudder and elevator to the cockpit, and from the left aileron to the cockpit. An examination of the right aileron control is pending recovery from the tree. The engine was located under the forward fuselage/cockpit. Both propeller blades were located with the engine; one blade remained secured to the hub and the second blade was separated from the hub and located adjacent to the engine. A detailed postrecovery engine examination is planned.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov