Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
Forest service personnel discovered the wreckage of the airplane on the side of a narrow, wooded valley after reports of fire in the area. Ground scars and damage to adjacent trees were consistent with the airplane having struck trees before impacting the ground. One propeller blade was located 250 feet from the main wreckage. Damage to the propeller blade and blade hub was consistent with separation due to the impact with trees and indicative of little to no rotation at impact. Examination of the remaining airplane, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies. No reason for a possible loss of engine power or the impact with terrain could be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10FA458 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rollinsville, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech C35
- N-number
- N8974A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.