After Entry Into The Canyon, The Airplane Turned Sharply To The Right And The Witness Lost Sight

Location: Conifer, CO Accident Number: CEN21FA177
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 17:35 Local Registration: N434MA
Aircraft: MAGNUS AIRCRAFT LLC FUSION 212 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 3, 2021, about 1735 central daylight time, a Magnus Fusion 212 airplane, N434MA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Conifer, Colorado. The sport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A review of air traffic control (ATC) information revealed the airplane departed about 1658 from Colorado Air and Space Port Airport (FCO), Denver, Colorado. The airplane flew southwest and the last ATC information was recorded about 1729 as the airplane flew near Deckers, Colorado about 800 ft above ground level (agl). The airplane continued west toward rising terrain and an emergency locator beacon (ELT) transmission was recorded about 1735.

A witness near Wigwam Trail in the Pike National Forest observed the airplane flying slowly on a northwest heading and subsequently turned left to enter a canyon at less than 500 ft agl. After entry into the canyon, the airplane turned sharply to the right and the witness lost sight of the airplane. The airplane impacted into steep, forested terrain with a nose low attitude and low forward speed.

The aircraft was equipped with a parachute recovery system. Examination of the system on-site revealed that it was not deployed. The airplane will be further examined at a recovery location.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov