Cessna 182P N1344S

Summary

On 5 August 2003 at about 19:45 local time, a Cessna 182P registered N1344S, operated by Ciaran Hanrahan, was involved in an accident near Antonito, Colorado, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 August 2003 at 19:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Antonito, Colorado, United States

Coordinates

37.3903, -106.6178

Aircraft

Cessna 182P

Registration

N1344S

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Ciaran Hanrahan

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Las Animas → Fremont

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN03FA137

1 person died.

The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the trees, and the mountainous terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses observed a high-wing, single-engine airplane flying at a low altitude in the vicinity of the accident site, at approximately 1200. The airplane was traveling north through a canyon. One witness said he could definitely see the airplane was flying lower than the mountains on the far side of the canyon. Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes later, a U. S. Forest Service fire team received a report of bluish-colored smoke "near Elwood cabin." When the fire team arrived at the location, they confirmed that the smoke was from an airplane crash. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could have contributed to the accident. FAA toxicology testing of specimens from the pilot revealed the presence of Amphetamine and Citalophan in kidney and liver tissue. Citalophan is a prescription antidepressant. Amphetamine is a prescription stimulant used in the treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. It has a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.