Plane that crashed into Broomfield neighborhood took off from Erie airport
May 23—The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that a plane that crashed in a Broomfield neighborhood Sunday morning, killing two, took off from Erie Municipal Airport.
Mike Folkerts, air safety investigator for the NTSB, said Monday that the two people killed in the single-engine crash were both pilots, and both had private pilot certificates. The identities of the two individuals have not been released.
Details released from the initial crash investigation reveal that the plane took off from Erie Municipal Airport runway 15 at approximately 11:45 a.m.
The pilots were flying in a Piper PA 32-260 plane, registration number N85CT. The aircraft climbed on a shallow path. About half a mile from the runway, the plane took a left turn and impacted terrain in the Anthem Ranch neighborhood in Broomfield.
The entire flight time was less than a minute long.
The plane impacted with the left wing down. After the initial impact, the plane hit a tree and came to rest outside of a residence, however, no houses, pedestrians or cars were affected by the crash.
The cause remains under investigation though initial reports indicate that weather most likely was not a factor as the conditions on Sunday morning were favorable.
Folkerts said that the NTSB is working with one witness on the crash investigation who noticed abnormal issues with the engine during the plane's departure. According to Folkerts, the witness, who is an experienced pilot, described the issues as "carburetor coughs."
Folkerts added that other areas of interest pertaining to the investigation are focused on the plane's shallow climb path, as well as six propeller strikes that were found on the road in the Anthem Ranch neighborhood.
The investigation is expected to look into plane maintenance issues, airworthiness issues, pilot training, education, medical and experience history, as well as environmental factors, including weather and terrain in the surrounding environment.
Folkerts says that the NSTB will release a preliminary report within 10 days containing factual information about the crash. An analytical report of the crash will be released in 12-18 months.
The Federal Aviation Administration, Lycoming Engines and Piper Aircraft are assisting the NSTB with its investigation.
This is the second single-engine plane crash to occur in Broomfield in less than two weeks. On May 11, the pilot of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk was killed after crashing near Eldorado Boulevard and Interlocken Loop.
Folkerts said that there is no relationship between the two crashes.
"General aviation is a safe industry. We are always looking to improve that safety. That's why we're investigating this accident to try and make it more safe," Folkerts said.
"Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two pilots in the tragedy. Our goal of the investigation is fairly straightforward. We're trying to stop the next tragedy," he added.
