Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
According to the passenger, the pilot was maneuvering the airplane at low altitude in mountainous terrain. The passenger reported that the pilot was flying the airplane “low and slow,” the airplane’s bank angle began to increase, and the airplane descended and collided with trees. A postimpact fire consumed a majority of the wreckage. An examination did not find any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11FA444 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wetmore, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing B75N1
- N-number
- N4473N
- 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.