Amateur-built HIGHLANDER N712DG accident near Dolores, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s collision with a fence while taking off from a snow-covered dirt airstrip.

NTSB analysis

The airplane departed the private, 1,800-ft dirt airstrip for a short flight to another airport. When the airplane did not arrive, an Alert Notice (ALNOT) was issued and a search began. One day later, the airplane wreckage was located beyond the departure end of the private dirt runway. The airplane was destroyed by a postimpact fire.

There were no witnesses to the accident and no flight track data associated with the accident flight. A local pilot flying in the area reported that he saw 3 tire tracks on the snow-covered dirt runway near the estimated time that the accident occurred; however, investigators were unable to determine the flight track of the airplane, the time of departure, or the time of the accident.

The airplane came to rest on snow-covered ground about 650 ft beyond the departure end of the runway. A barbed wire fence was between the runway and the wreckage and exhibited damage consistent with impact with the airplane. Barbed wire was wrapped around the root of one of the propeller blades about 3 times. Snow in the time between the departure and when the airplane was located masked any ground scars that may have been made during the impact sequence.

The postimpact fire destroyed the instrument panel and precluded functional testing of any flight instruments. Flight control continuity from the cockpit to the ailerons, elevator, and rudder was confirmed. The engine separated from the fuselage and sustained fire damage. Both main landing gear struts were bent up and both wings were impact-separated. The engine was fire-damaged and could not be functionally tested. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage to the airplane was consistent with a loss of control and subsequent collision with the barbed fence and terrain. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the loss of control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24FA083 for the full record.