As The Turn Continued, The Airplane Entered A Gradual Descent

Location: Brighton, CO Accident Number: CEN20LA375
Date & Time: 09/02/2020, 1213 MDT Registration: N153JW
Aircraft: Titan Mustang T-51 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On September 2, 2020, at 1213 mountain daylight time, a Titan Mustang T-51 airplane, N153JW, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Brighton, Colorado. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated that the pilot departed at 1157 and proceeded about 10 miles east before returning to the airport. The pilot appeared to execute a takeoff and landing before entering a right-hand traffic pattern. After completing a second takeoff and landing, the pilot again entered a right traffic pattern. However, as the turn continued, the airplane entered a gradual descent. The final ADS-B data point was located about 1/2-mile northwest of the runway. The associated altitude was approximately 100 ft above ground level.

A postrecovery examination of the airframe and engine is pending.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov