Pilot Makes Tragic Mistake On Honeymoon Flight! 

I hope others are able to learn from this tragic mistake. If you found value in the video, then you might also learn more from this video where bystanders were shocked seeing a pilot's fatal mistake: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TfndgMdQ9Cg.html

My Dad was an airline captain. Time after time he saw friends retire from the airlines, buy a small aircraft, and then get killed in it. When he retired he bought a radio-controlled airplane, and lived another 30 years.

My wife asks me all the time why I watch these videos you make as she finds them scary and depressing. My response is, learning about these situations and understanding the gravity of these situations will make me a safer private pilot. Just great reminders to think first.

I am an Italian private pilot who flies mainly in the Apennines area (a mountain range, with peaks reaching up to 3200 metres). Every time I have to climb a slope at least a mile before I do 360 turns uphill until I reach the same height as the mountain I want to climb. Furthermore, I almost never fly inside narrow valleys because an engine failure in those situations could almost always be fatal. No one taught me these things, I learned them from manuals, from experience, from common sense and from the mistakes of others.

I knew Lindz in highschool, and we were on the same team for a few years. This is such a tragedy. As someone who cared about her, even though we lost touch in our later years, I still wanted answers. Ive read articles about this, but they weren’t very informative. While this is difficult to watch, thanks for providing more details and for your explanations.

I flew with Costas when he was a student and then got to work with him after he started instructing. He was a truly wonderful individual and a good pilot. I was crushed when I heard about the accident, especially because they had only made their marriage public a day or two before the crash. Living under 200 miles from Telluride and having trained jet pilots flying in and around the Rockies I was doubly crushed as soon as I looked at their ground track prior to the crash. Had he simply called me or several other pilots we both know we might have convinced him to not fly up that canyon. One detail you didn’t mention is that they flew the scouting flight in the morning and likely had less fuel and baggage in the airplane than during the accident flight. Flying in cooler temps, lighter winds, and at a lighter weight would have made it seem like the second flight should be fine. Since the accident flight was the first leg of their trip home I can only image they loaded up on gas and baggage and then departed for their photo pass on their way out of town. Just tragic that this wound up happening but he is not the first friend I have lost to a simple mistake in an airplane. I don’t care how many hours you have in any airplane you cannot get complacent and think you “know” what you are doing. Thank you for this video, you really did a great job with it.

I'm a retired medical doctor who owned a V35B in the '90s. I routinely flew my family into the Rockies for skiing and hiking. The first time I thought about flying to Telluride for the spectacular views, started to study the charts and plugged the flight into my rudimentary desktop simulator I said "No way!" Place is a death trap.

I am a skydiver and I have watched many professional pilots who fly big jets struggle to fly a 182 with 4 jumpers on a hot summer day at sea level. Just because they can fly a big jet with lots of reserve power does not mean they can fly the small prop jobs.

Like they say; the most dangerous pilots are the ones with thousands of hours or very few hours. Always fly a little bit scared. Be prepared.

I’m an ERAU grad. I know him well from his work with the ALPA ACE club. He was every student’s role model: Starting the ALPA ACE club as a student, working hard at the regionals before being one of the youngest to make the jump to the mainlines. We were all so terribly sad when it happened. Such a shame to have lost such a person in such a way.

When I was pursuing my ASEL, I talked to a retired United Pilot and told him I was going for a license. One thing that he said has always stuck in my mind. He told me to never fly a single engine aircraft that is normally aspirated at high altitudes in mountainous areas. I've always heeded his advice.

That's my friend... miss you Costas. Unbelievably surreal to see videos like this popping up in my home feed... surreal in the worst way. He was truly the best of us... best kind of person. So kind, so caring, never judging anyone. He is deeply missed.

I don't care how good of a pilot you are, I am NOT getting on a small plane like that!

I lived in Telluride for several years and flew into and out of that airport multiple times..It's not for the faint of heart.The valley heading east from the town over Bridal Veil is very steep, very deceiving..It was a terrible day..He misjudged the terrain and didn't have the power to climb out.

I evaluate pilots on a regular basis in an area that is considered mountainous. It still amazes me how many I catch who don’t know how to calculate Density Altitude on their E6B and how it affects their airplane. Thank you for covering this story Hoover.

Did this flight with my very first CFI before I moved across the country. It was a farewell flight and we planned on getting dinner in Telluride. After watching I feel kinda blessed. When we landed there was no one around and there was some bad weather coming in. We looked at forecasted weather and it looked bad. We decided to skip dinner and just head back to Utah. There was cross winds in opposite directions on each end of the runway. I'm not very religious but my CFI said a quick prayer before takeoff. We took off toward the mountain because the wind was slightly favoring that side. Probably the sketchiest flight I've ever been on. The terrain on takeoff felt so close. It felt like it was engulfing us. We managed to climb enough and do a choppy turn heading back out west, away from the mountain. We were tossed around by updrafts and downdrafts the entire flight. Finally got back in to Provo Utah and found an American Airlines plane that had diverted in to Provo due to weather. They don't fly in to Provo. We taxied and saw a bunch of worried instructors waiting for us to come in. At the time I remember feeling cool that I did those landings and takeoffs and put the crab method in to real action and an AA pilot pussed out but not us, we sent it in our little DA40. Now looking back that was idiotic. I'm very grateful that everything worked out and I learned exactly where limits should be set.

This breaks my heart because I have such respect for aviation and pilots. Such a lovely couple. My condolences to their families.

The minute you said Colorado, I knew it was gonna be a density altitude issue. This case was sad, but humbling bc it clearly shows that even skilled, respected pilots fall into this trap. Thanks for a good episode.

It seems impossible this pilot, with his advanced training, would end up crashing. Yet another example of the multitude of scenarios one has to take into consideration to fly safely.

What a tragedy, such a young couple, just married and a whole life together. Thanks for the detailed video, it somehow hits harder knowing of these small crashes compared to an airliner crash. Putting a face to the victims of a crash really makes you empathize more than unnamed faceless 100 people who die in a major crash. Good video!

I was a mechanic for a fracturizing company in the Rocky Mountains and even our turbocharged engines suffered greatly in the altitudes we operated at even making it necessary to assign more units to achieve the results we needed. My supervisor always said “ you have trouble breathing so do the engines “

My pilot dad told me 50 years ago that the most important 2 things in flying are, the next 2 things. In other words, think ahead and always 'have an out'. That advice applies here and has served me well. I hope it helps everyone that I have passed that advice on to.

When I was in the Army in Colorado Springs, I flew as a medic in a MEDEVAC unit. I assisted in the recovery of many victims who died as a result of flying in the mountains with little or no experience. It was sad and difficult work. I'll never forget those scenes.

These debrief videos have made me a better driver and international traveler. My situational awareness is through the roof.

Airline pilots and military pilots make great airline and military pilots. If you do not fly a lot of general aviation, that experience does not always transfer over.

New plane + New terrain = more training... PERIOD. Idc how many hours you have as a pilot. If you're unfamiliar with something new, there's no shame in asking for help & training! So sad, especially being they just got married and were beginning a new chapter 😢. Thanks Hoover for another excellent debrief!

I have visited this airport and it’s one of those if you mess up you’re probably dead. We were trying to fly there on a 172 with 180 hp and there is to peaks you have to fly through to get to that airport and when we got within a few miles of it, our plane started rapidly descending and then ascending because of the winds so we went ahead and turned around and not risk it and drove there instead. It’s definitely a sight to see in person.

You’re doing a great thing here Hoover…..any pilot, young or old will be learning so much from your videos that may one day save their lives 👍🏻……This story is such a tragic, unnecessary crash killing two lovely young people with so much to live for, very sad….. if any of their family are reading this post, I’m so sorry for your loss 😢

Hoover, this is about the saddest video I have ever seen. I am your new "student", Charlie. ....A young couple just starting out. An excellent pilot, not yet ready for the mountains. Thank you for this very enlightening video. God bless them both.

You’re really good at describing the events in ways that make sense to people who aren’t pilots. Thank you, Hoover.

As a young man In 1981, I drove my 1970 Pontiac Catalina cross-country to LA. Climbing through the Rockies on I70, I was amazed at how the car's carbureted 400 cu" V8 struggled with the altitude. I also remember how thin the air felt, sticking my hand out the window at times during the drive, and this was mostly around 10,000'. Though not being a pilot, this sad story was very relatable.

46 YR Telluride resident and 50 yr Pilot here. Yes this was a photo shoot and the pilot badly screwed it up. We call it " Kodak Courage" People doing stupid sh*t for a photo. Another problem not mentioned by Hoovers very good report here is: With the increase of True Airspeed comes a increase in Turn Radius. The pilot SHOULD HAVE climbed several thousand feet higher if he insisted on doing this pass at Bridal Veil Falls. He Should Have left his wife on the ground.' Then Came in high and made the pass with plenty of energy [ speed + height } descending into the frame. Rookie mistake, can't believe he took someone else along for this stunt much less his brand new wife. There are several mountain flying maneuvers you have to have in your bag of knowledge to fly around in the high mountains, obviously this guy was way short on Mt flying time and high altitude skills. I walked up to the crash scene and it was god awful, I feel for San Miguel Co search and rescue sheriffs Dept and family's involved, all for a picture! There is this software called PHOTOSHOP Way safer and easier. Nick Kennedy N 400LS N 3817E N 67 AE

A Colorado friend of mine, now deceased, had over 20,000 hours of experience flying small aircraft in the Colorado and Wyoming mountains. Despite his decades of mountain flying experience, he refused to fly in or out of Telluride airport. He called the airport a "deathtrap." I've driven over the 4WD trail over Ingram Pass (commonly known as Black Bear Pass)--the canyon where Bridal Veil Falls is located. "Experienced" or not, any pilot attempting to fly up that canyon in a small aircraft is making a very possibly fatal mistake, especially if the pilot is not an experienced mountain pilot and is flying when ambient air temperatures are warm.

One of the things you learn (or relearn) when being checked out for mountain flying is that Vx and Vy are specified at sea level. Vx increases with altitude and Vy decreases. They converge at the absolute ceiling. A normally aspirated airplane at 13000 ft density altitude is close to its ceiling and Vx and Vy are nearly identical. Even a minor deviation in airspeed in either direction is enough to reduce climb performance, and that's if you know what the ideal speed is to begin with. Throw in turbulence, downdrafts, navigating adjacent to terrain, and a spike in load factor and stall speed associated with a turn... Well. In all honesty, it's just better not to be there to begin with.

I've been to Telluride and visited Bridal Veil Falls from the ground and that canyon and those mountains are no place for a non-turbo (single or twin engine )aircraft except perhaps in the most favorable weather and density altitude conditions. Such a profound tragedy for a young couple just starting out their lives together.

Thank you for truly doing a great job teaching us about the conditions and the risk factors. Great work!

Hoover. You're a blessing to this space. Thank you for what you do.

Again, another crash analysis that presents the pilot and victims sympathetically. It’s easy to bring our emotions to a debrief where the consequences were so tragic, but you, unlike most other RU-vid crash investigators, do a superior job maintaining the humanity of the pilot despite mistakes that seem easily avoided in hindsight. Your accident analysis videos are simply the best. Thank you.

Even looking at the simulation with mountains made me nervous. My husband and I lived in Arizona at 7,050 feet elevation for 20 years. Our home airport had a main runway of 8,000 feet. People would come up from Phoenix for a weekend and then go to leave in mid afternoon when it was hot. If someone was around when they were refueling, they’d be advised not to top off their tanks and advised which direction to turn so the terrain dropped away from them. Too many times we’d watch a plane use up the whole runway and sluggishly gain altitude while we watched holding our breath. Our plane was a Globe Swift. Whenever we were heading somewhere we’d travel light and leave early. I’m sorry about the loss of that young couple.

Good job on this video, very informative. I'm not a pilot, but I worked on aircraft in the Air Force in the 70's. As part of the training, we learned a lot about lift, airspeed, thrust, all the basics of flight... But watching this video about mountain flying really makes me realize the enormous difference compared to "regular" flying. We've been to Colorado a few times on vacation, and I even noticed the difference in how my drone flew at higher altitude in thinner air.

We flew a Cessna 210 (normally aspirated) in & out of Telluride in the late summer a few times. Density altitude was a huge factor in our planning. We never took off with full fuel, and we planned our departure for just after sunrise, with cooler temperatures. By delaying their departure until after that first flight, and by refueling (did they top-off?) these guys definitely increased the challenges they were facing. Add to that their desire for some spectacular photos, and the outcome becomes tragically predictable. We think of this beautiful young couple often. Your debrief was beautifully done.

Mr. Van Stiffler, Ground School Instructor, told us in class to “stay way clear of mountains”! That was in 1985 which was so very true then as it is today, and will always be. He also gave us a pearl of his wisdom: “The 180 degree turn is the BEST safety device”.

As soon as selfies were shown while he was flying should have been reason enough to have him grounded for awhile. When you’re behind the controls of an aircraft selfies should be the last thing on your mind.

Retrospectives are always valuable.. Lifelong learning.

My heart breaks thinking about the last moments of this young couple. They look so happy and great people too! Even I am speechless without knowing them! VMC to IMC in the Slovakian Tatras took the life of my good friend just 10 months ago.. May your soul guys fly happy!

So sad. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much for your help 🙏 , surely this will prevent tragedies like this from happening again!

I have seen this on other channels, but your deeper explanation makes more sense now. Thank you.

Thanks, Hoover, for making these situations understandable for non-pilots.

That was so desperately sad. Thank-you for your insights.

Thank you for bringing this to us.

Another example of your comment to the profession A+! Early in my Flying life I took a Mountain flying class based in Knoxville,Tn. KDKX Island Home Airport. How blessed I was to experience the Smokey, Southern Appalachian and Cumberland Mts all before 100hrr TT Ironically my Instructior was a grad of Embry Riddle Daytona and spoke of the draw backs of learning at Sea Level. Thanks Sir

Good job on the general coverage of mountain flying problems, Hoover, but just a few more specifics. Mountain flying in small airplanes is mostly maneuvering flight. We actually have more horizontal space available limitations, generally, than vertical space available limitations. Wind management is important, especially for orographic lift, but down drainage egress can be more important. That is the reason for the local advice to take off down drainage. Vx and Vy join around 8,000 DA or so, but I think he was wanting to do a box canyon turnback for the photo opportunity. Something not taught in flight school that I emphasize in small airplanes in the mountains is when pulling back does not produce wanted climb, try pushing forward on the stick. In all maneuvering flight, airspeed and not altitude, is life. The basics of the canyon turnback are to fly up the ridge downwind of the valley or canyon. This provides both ridge lift, often much greater than what the small engine will produce alone, and positions us for a turn back using good wind management. By turning back into a headwind component, we reduce ground speed and reduce the radius of turn given the same bank angle. And finally, use the potential energy of altitude. The target of the turnback is not the opposite canyon wall. The target of the turnback is the bottom of the drainage. Turn at whatever bank is necessary to capture the bottom of the drainage in the pipper (windscreen) and release all back pressure on the yoke. Yes, dynamic neutral stability will cause the nose to pitch down just as it was designed to do to prevent stall. Make energy management use of all that vertical space available toward the drainage, not the opposite wall. The real problem with energy management mountain training is that it violates most of the normal flying mountain training rules. No we are not going to meet altitude above and vertical distance from terrain rules to best manage natural energy. Vx and Vy climb profiles are not relevant given the greater thermal and orographic lift available in the mountains. Trying to maintain altitude will cause a net loss of both altitude and ground speed if we pitch down in updrafts and pitch up in downdrafts to maintain altitude. Acceleration level in low ground effect on the long runways in the mountains will equal at least 50% of the piston energy available in small airplanes. Ridge lift or thermal lift can easily equal three times the POH max rate of climb. ACS cover none but should cover all small airplane energy management techniques, especially in the mountains.

I’m not a pilot but an aviation enthusiast since I was young. These videos are excellent and the best on RU-vid. After watching hundreds of crash investigations, I would never fly in the mountains with a normally aspirated engine. I’m so sorry for this young couple who were just starting their life together.

An old pilot told me , "Never fly in the clouds, Never fly Upside down , and Never fly over anything you can't land on." I am the kind of pilot to kick the tires and light the fire ; however, I have always followed the ' never upside down and you can't land on '.. I am 78 and still flying.

I used to work at Telluride airport. One of the most beautiful airports in the country. Also one of the most challenging. Even in the best of weather conditions. I also heard that they were up there for a photo shoot on their way ‘out of town’. Heading up that canyon in a non turbo aircraft is a scary scenario. The mountains surrounding T-ride are upwards of 14,000’ and will humble even the best of the best. Super sad story.

It’s always hard to press the “like” button, on something this tragic, but I appreciate your work on these videos. Great intel and insight. Another point, you didn’t mention (or maybe I missed it) was that they fueled up prior to the second flight and might have been heavier than on the first? Not sure how much fuel they took or how much different their TOW was compared to the first flight after removal of 2 pax. I’m sure the DA was higher as the sun got higher. What a sad deal. Condolences to the affected families.

Rip beautiful couple. Hope you are happy in heaven.great informative video. A reminder that even with the most experienced professionals, you just never know. Each day and moment is a gift.

Sad. Thanks for the video

An excellent debrief as usual. I think an important lesson to be learned here is just how difficult mountain/bush flying is even for experienced pilots. What really matters is not the thickness of the logbook but the relevant experience to accomplish the mission at hand. Being skilled in one area of aviation does not mean you should go out and fly all missions. The first thing he should have considered is even flying into that airport/area without a turbocharged airplane.

Flying in high altitude terrain without a turbo is crazy. I've flown the T210 and P210. Having sea level manifold pressure at 20,000 feet is an incredible feeling, and a huge safety factor.

Thank you, I have watched a few other channels “kind of” doing your same reports…your style is my favorite…the right blend of empathy, compassion and “criticism” and lessons intended to be derived from said criticism. I am 50YO…and have always had a love for aviation as my Great Grandfather and many of my Maternal Grandmothers uncles worked for and with Northwest airline in multiple capacities. My interest started when I was 7-8 when Great Grandpa “Wally” brought us to a family day in MSP where we got to tour a Northwest Airlines Hanger and see multiple planes in various stages of maintenance…the day ended with being able to board a plane that had just returned and meeting the pilots and sitting in the “pilots seats” of what I am assuming was a 737 type of plane…your military history is one of the largest reasons I consider your credibility a both above most…the military has process and manuals for nearly EVERYTHING…from how to fold you shirt and make your bed to overhaul procedures for a Blackhawk helicopter…processes and documentation are the ONLY way to learn how and to continue to fly an airplane. This is what I have learned from watching you , Dan G, Patey’s, T Palmer…just to name a few. I still hope to someday achieve the dream of flying and if I do it will in large thanks to people like you, teaching the right way. I feel like the common thread from most small airplane casualties is too much pride and self created urgency 😢

I love listening to your debriefs. So knowledgeable. Thanks.

Love how you phrased the new information.

I think you explain everything very well..good job sir

Excellent - fascinating - gripping- I’ve watched two of your videos, and although I don’t fly, I found myself gripped by your explanation and commentary !

It's disheartening to witness yet another instance of a seasoned pilot succumbing to a critical error. As imperfect beings, none of us are immune to mistakes. Density altitude doesn't get enough attention by many pilots.

I live in Colorado and did my flight training in Boulder. Pretty much my instructor told me to stay out of the mountains. Later, I began taking a mountain flying course (not actually flew) and learned a lot, especially about box canyons, rising terrain, and as I recall, flying up the middle can also set you up for rotary turbulence, as the wind blows over the mountain and cool, it falls down the slope on the other side, then pushed back up the other side of the canyon. In the middle, where the air is falling on one side and rising on the other, you are essential flying through a horizontal vortex. Also, one needs to be aware of which side you are on, the rising air or falling air..... I determined, based on everything I learned and was told, to stay away from the mountains. It's just too risky.

You truly do an amazing job on these videos. Watching some similar type videos leaves me confused. However, your explanations are clear, concise and very informative. Great job!! I appreciate your time and efforts in the making of these videos.

Thanks again Hoov. Spot on in the aftrmath as usual.

✈️ This channel is by far the best aviation accident analysis content on RU-vid or anywhere else. Your explanations are easy to understand and interesting to follow. Keep up the good work Hoover! ✈️

Back in the 60's my uncle had a cabin near the departure end of Big Bear Airport (L35. 6,752 ft MSL). A couple of times a year a pilot would try and fly out of ground effect only to sink into the lake. My uncle would take his boat out and fish the pilot & passengers' out of the water. Years later Big Bear would become a frequent airport for me to fly into. I was always pretty anal about checking density altitude.

Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful videos! I find them very interesting.

Seeing the wreckage reminds me of my broken family relationships.

Hey man, as a helicopter pilot that primarily operates in the black hills of South Dakota, I appreciate your insight and knowledge in these videos. Like most viewers, I had no idea this crash happened. These videos (of older crashes) are a good idea. Glad you got the RU-vid problems worked out.

So sad. Good job on this debrief Hoover, I couldnt agree more with it.

Hoover, thank you for your service and for these very informative debriefs. The simulation views were are great addition.

I love your content and delivery. You are such a methodical and interesting story teller, and never fail to get the points across that matter. Sad circumstances, but you really do keep my attention. 👍

Hoover, your channel is so important to pilots and aviation geeks like me. Thank you for all you do. We can all learn from your debriefs. Much love you to❤❤

I was a helicopter pilot in the Army my final 22 years in the service, I have a couple thousand hours in the mountains of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Colorado and Tennessee combined. Mountain flying is not to be taken lightly and performance planning and detailed weather briefings with frequent updates are absolutely essential. Godspeed to both of them. Tragic.

I used to live in Colorado, and when I brought my motorcycle down to Missouri, I was shocked how much faster it was in Missouri. Altitude makes a huge difference.

So Tragic. God Bless Lindsey and Costas. Condolences to family and friends.

Living in Colorado my entire life, I think people take too much for granted here sometimes, and they want to “perform” risky behaviors, and never stop to take into consideration the terrain & how unforgiving it can be. I the mountains around Telluride, you usually only get one shot. My sincere & deepest condolences to all who knew & loved this couple. 🌹🌹

I remember when I flew out of Truckee, Ca in the High Sierras once, it was very frightening to me. Truckee sits at a high elevation and due to the high mountain peaks that surrounded us, I knew there was almost no room for the slightest error. Now, these are pilots that fly in and out of there all the time, but it was still frightening to me. Thank you for sharing this!

Thanks Hoover for sharing your insight and expertise ✈️ ✌️

Thank you for doing a more in-depth analysis on this tragic incident.

Thanks Hoover. Another great video that is understandable to the ones with aviation interests and for the ones who are in aviation from student pilots to ATPs. It’s a video for anyone to learn from and hopefully, will save someone someday.

Sadly, this type of crash is far too common with inexperienced people flying in the mountains. Like they say "There are no new accidents, just new people."

great video, expalined so much throughly

Nice work Hoover. Sad story indeed, but it helps other pilots see the dangers we all must recognize. 🙏

In a Boeing 757 he could pitch up and thrust out which he was used to. I flew a beech debonaire out of Big Bear at about 9k but it had become a warm spring day. Luckily there was no traffic and I did a 180 when I felt I didnt have the power to rise at the rate I anticipated during flight planning the night before in VFR. My one passenger buddy had no idea that was not the plan from the beginning, but I never forgot.

Tragic. Very careful performance planning is required for this airport. A long list of potential threats to contend with. Great video. Thank you for sharing. Cheers.

Thanks for another great breakdown, Hoover. I know very little about aviation, but you're very good at explaining things thoroughly in ways that non-aviators can understand.

In his morning flight he had cool calm air. Flight two, the heat had to played a factor, and for a Florida man the lack of experience with mountains that high was a tragic miscalculation.

Pilots are specialists. Sometimes we forget this. Despite thousands of hours of airline flying at FL300+ ... any pilot may still be only a 'rookie' at SE Mountain Flying. Many clubs / groups require specialized training for pilots wishing to fly into the 'highlands.'

I am a student at the Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach, FL which is just south of ERAU. Yes, this is very busy airspace we fly in, but we have no terrain to worry about. Thank you for making this video.

Well told story and not too long. I never heard of this until it came on my recommended. Thank you!

Thanks Hoover. Very sad. Density altitude is not to be messed with.

Very tragic indeed, Hoover. This is a story with such a sad ending, especially for a young couple just starting their lives together. Thank you for the analysis--flying in the mountains has to be an additional challenge, even for experienced pilots.

Tragic to lose such wonderful young excellent people!