Accident Review Telluride S35 Bonanza 

I knew the accident pilot personally. No, we weren’t close and I only knew him for a short time but he was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. When you talked to him, he always made YOU feel like a rockstar even though he was the one living this dream life (working at UAL at such a young age, getting married, etc.) You could tell he was raised right. He was extremely kind and gave back to the people and organizations that helped him develop (many in Embry-Riddle including the ALPA Airline Career Education club, which he founded). Not a day goes by that couldn’t use a guy like him. Folks, we’ve GOT to do better in the GA world. Be careful. Plan the flight path considering aircraft performance and other hazards, then execute on it. Always have an out, a way that you could get out of a sticky situation, especially regarding mountain flying! Goodbye Costas. You didn’t deserve to go like this or so soon but I hope to carry on what you represented, both professionally and personally

This was a great summary. A few tips. Unless your airplane is equipped with afterburners, NEVER turn toward rising terrain that tops out above your present altitude, and expect to clear it! Always approach ridges at an angle, and with enough lower terrain beside you, such that if you encounter a down draft approaching the ridge, you can turn away and escape. If you fly up a canyon, don't fly up the center. Instead, hug one side or the other, and never fly past the point where you lack the room for a 180 degree escape turn. Finally, if you have always done your pre-takeoff run-up with full rich mixture, and taken off the that way, DON'T do that at high altitudes. Learn how to lean the engine before taking off, unless you want to leave even more unavailable horsepower on the ground. This comes from a guy whose logbook started at age 10, in TVL California.

Costas was my first real relationship and I think about him and what happened to them every single day. I've flown with him before and knew firsthand how passionate, knowledgable and careful he was. We can all try to be perfect and prepared but sometimes life happens, unfair and sudden. That's the thing about tragedies =( Regardless, thank you for all the information from what you've gathered. I hope it can save someones life. I haven't been able to stop wondering what happened up there, but don't think it will ever take the pain away regardless what is found.

So sad! Once you said that they got full fuel, I knew that was the first big mistake. The first time I flew in the mountains, I went with an instructor. We were filling up and he stopped me, and we went over the performance specs to see exactly how much fuel we could take on. Fortunately, we didn't get full fuel, and even with a turbo-charged plane in the Smokies, we cleared the trees, but not by much. Lesson learned. You did a great job of compassionately (and not judgmentally) reviewing this accident for us to learn by.

Amazing that the NTSB actually showed up!

I flew a V35B for a number of years, amassed about 300 hours. In and out of TEX one time, in May. There is not the remotest chance I'd head East up that canyon. Sorry for the newlywed couple's demise. Thank you, Scott, for your blow-by-blow. Hope it makes an impression on pilots who think the mountains are easy to conquer. They are not. They will reach up and smite you in the twinkle of a heartbeat, if you are not 100% on target.

That's my friend... Costas. We went to college together. May they both rest in peace.

“Always leave yourself an out”. No truer words to live and fly by. Thanks Scott!

I was a charter pilot for 3 years out of Santa Fe NM, and have operated in/out of many challenging airports in the Rockies including Telluride. It is very difficult to determine the real horizon when flying toward rising terrain. If you are carefully monitoring your instruments (especially airspeed) you would know whether you've got the nose too high. And that's very apparent in flatland country. But when the pucker factor is high and you're trying to top that ridge in front of you, you're probably narrowly focused on the mountains in front of you and they are no indication of where the actual hozison lies. Just one of several differences flying in the mountains.

After flying the Rockies for over 20 years in piston singles, you never never never fly up a narrowing valley with rising terrain!!!

Thank you Mr. Perdue.

I’m not a pilot and likely never will be. But I find these videos very informative and helpful in learning just what’s involved in becoming one, and then perfecting those skills to expand your knowledge. It’s incredible learning everything from how to cross those mountain passes, to flying in different weather conditions, or even through mechanical failures. Thanks so much for you, and anyone who puts these videos out. Evan someone like me who is just curious about flying all types of plains can really gain a wealth of knowledge from your expertise.

As a young student, in a class, an instructor, advice was simple, but important, "Always look for a way out." Before. And while moving. In other words, always be thinking one step ahead or more. This applied to driving a car, a boat, a motorcycle or a plane.

Right on Scott! Your analysis is perfect and I agree with your speculation on what happened. This accident was personal for me in that the bride was a Flight Attendant classmate of my daughter and son-in-law. I was there for her graduation. The pilot was a new hire at my airline and based in EWR. I didn't know him. We fly from Tulsa to Pagosa Springs often in our Turbo 210, which I bought for that mission. It has a service ceiling of 28,500', but I still don't try to outclimb the mountains. No sensible person would. You must be 1,000' to 2,000' (depending on wind and groundspeed) above the ridgeline 3-5 miles before approaching it. Density altitude and mountain flying needs to be better understood by pilots who want to engage in it. This is a sad commentary of what happens when you don't.

An informative presentation on this tragic accident.

Two weeks before this tragedy happened, my wife and I drove to Telluride as a day side trip from a vacation we were on. We took the free gondola up to where you can look over to the airport. The only thing that went through my mind is nope , I'm never messing with that one.

Absolutely right. I learned to fly in Northern California and one technique was take off and circle the airport in a climbing turn until you can see over the obstacle then level off. If your airplane can't climb high enough, land and wait for better DA and or less weight or rent a car. Also, flying in mountains can really fool your situational awareness. I found myself very slowly climbing going up a canyon because it felt like I needed to keep climbing but airspeed began to imperceptibly bleed off. At that second I realized what was happening I leveled off and did a 180 before we ran out of room to turn around. Really sad about the wreck but many thanks for the helpful information.

Been flying the Rocky Mountains over 48 years safely out of the Front Range. Many flights were CAP Sorties for missing aircraft west of Denver. The real HOT spots for climbing out accidents are KLXV, KASA, KTEX, and KSBS. For Aspen and Telluride it's always fly down the canyon climbing as terrain lowers. Then once at a safe altitude you can turn in almost any direction. At KASA you fly down the valley following the highway and the river. At KTEX you fly the highway till at of the canyon and you can east toward Denver or left to Cortez and start fly flying west or Southeast. Flying up canyons at KASE and KTEX have caused many fatal accidents over the years. el

Amazing English and great communication with great wisdom!

Thank you for this, Scott. I'm heading out there with the family this winter. I wasn't even going to consider an eastbound departure from that airport. Even in a turbocharged twin I was planning on following the valley westbound until well-above 14,000 feet. I can't imagine making the decision to attempt out-climbing those mountains. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

Costas was a friend of mine. Still so unbelievable. Thank you for this information.

The description of the escape maneuver required reminded me of an analogy of trying to avoid crossing the event horizon of a black hole.

My wife and I flew into Angel Fire New Mexico from our home airport in Oklahoma City with another couple. The pilot was a close friend and business associate and we were traveling to the mountains in his normally-aspirated Bellanca Viking. The trip was planned so we could take a mountain flying course and the organizers had sent us information on how to get into the airport safely. Unfortunately, after we had all arranged to take a week’s vacation time, rented a condo and a car the course was canceled due to a lower-than-expected number of registrants. We decided to make the trip anyway but instead of taking the class and flying with an experienced instructor we traveled the local area and enjoyed the sites around the Red River, Angel Fire, and Taos area. My friend studied the terrain coming in and realized getting out would be much harder. He carefully planned our departure calculating our weight , the density altitude, our fuel load center of gravity and what he believed to be the most advantageous flight path for our departure. We made it out of the box canyon where the airport is located but with only a couple of hundred feet between us and the trees on ridge line. Everything went as planned but I was amazed by how the airplane I had flown so many times with my friend was transformed from an eagerly climbing “homesick Angel” into a struggling beast by an extra 10,000 feet of altitude two extra people and baggage on a summer’s day. Had he not taken time to make such a careful plan we would have quickly fallen into some really serious trouble.

Sad... I fly into Telluride quite frequently. For a small plane it's not necessarily one way in, one way out. But to takeoff on 27 and then turn into the box canyon is beyond mind boggling.

I had the privilege of seeing the pilot when he came to Riddle for our commencement speech and I certainly pray for all affected from their crash.

“Don’t do anything dumb, different or dangerous.”...sage advice for sure!... thanks for taking the time helping to explain the predicament the pilot unfortunately ended up in.

You are my favorite presenter.

Learning about downdrafts on the lee side of a mountain can never prepare you for FEELING one. The power is shocking. Training with an experienced mountain instructor is better than gold prior to going mountain flying. Love the analysis Scott and I'm a new sub. As one commenter below suggested, putting afterburners on your GA airplane would help with the lee side downdrafts if you plan on flying directly at the elevation. So sorry about the tragedy, prayers for everyone affected. 🙏🏾

Very sad indeed, I heard he was a solid pilot, well educated, very conscientious. For some reason he chose this flight path and one of the things I have to surmise is that possibly there was some get-there-itis involved. Just going West a few miles would have provided the necessary altitude. I have flown as a passenger in GA in this area. West North West is the only way out to a lower altitude area near this airport. It would have taken an extra 10 minutes tops. It never pays to be in a hurry. May they rest in peace. Thank you Scott for the educational video, it is greatly appreciated.

My dad was a commercial pilot who transitioned into the Civil Air Patrol after his age and health took him out of his seat. His new talent was as an observer and teaching safety. I was shocked to learn how many wrecks there were in Southern California alone. Turns out safety and hand grenades have something in common... got to get it right to stay alive. Thanks for sharing, may their mistakes keep us from doing the same.

Worst time of day for them to have left was after noon. In the Rockies during the summer you want to be airborne by about 8am. On the ground by 1pm or so before the winds and thunderstorms pick up.

So sad to watch, but still very informative information. Thank you, Sir.

Excellent review, among the best out there.

My Dad was a Naval Aviator, his best friend and his kids died when they crashed into Mount Shasta. Very sad. Another plane he was a partner in crashed losing all onboard. This was my childhood. Knowing why is important to everyone, or should be.

You are my new fav. air crash guy .

Love your videos Scott.

Another great one Scott. Thanks!

I did like this video. And I appreciate it whenever you define acronyms and other terms that non-pilots might not be familiar with. My brother-in-law did some flying in Utah and he had told me about the crashes from pilots who flew into canyons then ran out of room too quickly.

Mountain flying is very challenging, especially for those of us from the flatlands. I am a New England pilot as well, who enjoys flying into the mountains of New Hampshire. I have noticed that even in relatively calm weather you can get yourself into a situation that you had better make perfect decisions in order to get through, especially in a non-high performance or non-turbocharged airplane. Even in light winds the downdraft on the leeward side of even a small mountain can not only prevent your aircraft from climbing but also force it into a descent. Always leave yourself an out. It will save your life.

Thank youScott. Your descriptions are clear and diction clear. The knowledge you, Juan Browne and Dan Gruyder present help me in my operation of a 46’ articulated aerial manlift (MEWP) in tree service work. Our safety factors differ a lot but the common chord is gravity rules. Season’s greetings.

I knew the couple through some airline friends and hope we can learn from this tragic accident. Your review was excellent..

Good job analyzing this accident! Learned a lot.

The best aviation analysis channel on YT. Not the flashiest. Just the best.

An experienced pilot's casual analysis of a tragic accident. The mountains are particularly unforgiving of poor decisions. Thank you!

I'm student pilot in montana flying around large mountain ranges. Very humbling

Great video, thank you for taking time to make that. As a pilot I’m always trying to educate myself about other peoples mishaps so I think before and as I fly.

I've never flown in mountainous terrain and I don't think I ever will without taking a mountain flying course.

Very well done as usual. No holds barred reviews are critical in aviation. Thank you for sparing no words.

"Circle the field until you can clear the surrounding terrain."

Great video and lesson thank you. A sad end and a lesson that even experienced pilots can get themselves into a situation they cant get out of.

Very good instruction. I could listen to this instructor all day!

Thanks for the video Scott! Good stuff.

enjoyed this video, Scott. First time I have heard your commentary, and I think it's great!

Thank you for the explanation sir. It all makes perfect sense now.

Excellent presentation. Thank you sir.

Wow! Scott - you've got a way about you to debrief in a. way that is logical, easy to follow, and complete. Thank you.

scott keep cooking this great stuff. im a bo driver myself and i really appreciate you taking the time to educate us.

Really like your review Scott, lots of common sense logic and explanations. You remind me of the old generation of FAA guys who were so enjoyable to fly with, calm and friendly. Compared with so many today that are too young to even be there. Mountains can humble even a jet in no time and hope pilots always respect that. Thanks

Hey Gunny! Great to see you here. Your channel has the best and most concise information. The graphics are amazing too. Best of luck, Nick!

Incredibly helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to create these.

I live pretty close to this near Durango CO. Sad story. I obsess over these accident reviews. Hopefully one day it'll make me a better pilot when I can finally afford it.

Looking at it with a low angle view on Google Earth, you'd have to be absolutely suicidal to fly east down that valley with anything less than a Saturn V rocket.

Very good review supported by adsb data. Hind sight is always 25/20, outclimb the mountain overhead the airport or where it is safe to do so. Be safe, rember danger is mostly not apparent

Excellent summary. Respectful and valuable.

Good briefing, summary of things we need to be reminded of.

Great breakdown, Scott, and thanks. I am planning to do some flying up into CO and NM next year. I have read far too many reports of general aviation flights in the Rockies resulting in CFIT, and as a consequence have already looked into taking a Mountain Flight school in the spring, before I take on those high hills.

Thank You for creating and uploading this very informative and useful and sensitive (to the tragedy of this accident) video.

Very well explained - thanks for posting

Former GA Commercial and CFI ... a desert rat and have done considerable mountain flying. This video is gold. I knew about the incident before I saw the video and had a pretty good idea what happened, but got to the level of detail that really brought it to life. Just listening, I got chills and honestly very upset, I was right there in the airplane with this guy and I know what he must have experienced in those godawful last minutes. Great job on the incident review and the good advice to pilots no matter their level of experience. Subscribing and glad I found this resource.

Telling for such an experienced pilot to say he’d get some instruction before flying in the mountains.

Great video. Solid analysis and super delivery. Pleasure to watch your video and listen to your analysis. Great job.

so cool. thank you sir!

Sad event. I don't fly, but it interests me. Thank you for your service sir and this wealth of knowledge 👍🏽

We were just discussing among my local pilot friends how to fly from Bay Area to Vegas. There are people fly direct through Sierras and there are people fly a less risky but longer route through SoCal. The pass at Sierra you cross is called Kearsarge Pass. A lot of pilots have been killed there. It was even removed from the sectional chart recently because it is too easy to get into a deadly canyon with terrain at 14000 to 15000. I have done it once but oh boy it is scary. You can’t make a wrong turn. Mountain flying is no joke.

Excellent analysis and presentation. Thanks!

Love it‼️🥶. It would be great if you did a little biography on yourself and an expose on all the personal aircraft that you have owned. It would also be interesting to hear your thoughts about various personal aircraft And which ones are your favorites for various missions. It would be great to also hear about your Air Force your résumé.

Very well said. I've learnt something

BZ, thanks for an excellent report, with sensitivity and compassion but stressing the mistakes

Subbed and liked. One of the rare videos that introduce the essential topic of energy management for GA pilots.

Excellent video. Your analysis very instructive. Subscribed.

Exceptional insight. Thank you for the time you invest.

Almost felt like I was talking with ya. I literally talked at my phone as I remembered some recent mistakes I made, and although it's nice to hear I'm not the only one, I won't be repeating them.

Well presented.

I use to take my private students to Big Bear 8000’ in a C150 to demonstrate DA. You can talk about DA all day but when you see it you don’t take it for granite.

It's been a while since I've heard the "3 D's." Colonel "Doc" Parker taught us that. Great run down. Wish they could've made the turn - they just got married. God bless them.

Thank you for the excellent debrief, Scott. You have helped us all learn from this accident. A tragic loss for the United Pilots community. Nickel on the Grass.

Thanks Scott.......22 year F-16 pilot and retired United Captain.........i just purchased my first GA.......An A-36 Turbo normalized......home field is at Glendale Az but summer home is at GNB Granby Colorado....8300’ elevation 5k’ long runway..........lots to learn and enjoy watching your videos... Rusty Mitchell

I'm just getting started on my pilot's license, and I am finding your channel, and similar channels, to be great resources to help me take what I learn in the plane and on the ground, and teach my brain HOW to think. Thinking of the energy bucket, that altitude gives you options, and that one of our chief responsibilities as a pilot is to mitigate risk, not just for the people who fly with us, but for those below us on the ground, and those who rely on us to come back safely (preferably with no story, but worse case scenario, an interesting one that ends with "and then I landed").

Flew Cessna 340s with RAM out of TEX. There was a 60' difference between the ends of the runway and the middle.... Pretty sporty. Regularly made my passengers and/or cargo drive to Montrose and repositioned the aircraft down there. Many grumpy faces, but they all are still alive to complain about me. No good deed goes unpunished.

Sad for the couple. Rest in peace

Excellent presentation, thank you.

Good videos Captain ! 😁😉👍

I was always taught when flying in the Rockies, do it before 10am in the Spring/Summer.

I flew into and out of Telluride this past winter and departed to the southeast down the large valley toward Durango. I am also a flatlander from Texas but had an expert Mountain flying instructor in my Bonanza A36 with me. We also planned to take off with less than full tanks and still had a long takeoff roll and slow climb. And that in cool morning winter air. I thought you said the pilot filled up his tanks before departing which might have contributed to his problem. Another solution for him might have been to fly to Durango or Pagosa Springs and fill up there. Great Video!!

Great report Scott ! thank you

Thank you sir for the time and effort you put in to make this detailed accident review, there is a lot to learn from it, and it'll make us all safer pilots. looking forward to more content.

I live in Telluride and am a pilot. I live under the base leg of 27 at TEX and was out walking my pups that day when I saw these poor folks fly over. Sad end to their story.

you delivered a very informative synopsis of this accident. As a non flyer, this was easily understood by someone with a very strong background in science. Kind of reminds me of JFK jrs acc ident, over confidence on behalf of the pilot. Such a senseless tradegy. RIP to all.

Awesome commentary! You’re a wise pilot... and it shows in your words! Great content!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I really enjoy your videos.