Brenham – Telluride

On December 29, 1987 at 05:07 PM, Brenham – Telluride experienced a crash involving Swearingen SA26T Merlin II, operated by Chemical Financial Corporation, with the event recorded near Telluride Colorado.

The flight was categorized as private and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

6 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 6 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 5, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. During a visual approach, the pilot said he encountered 2,000 fpm downdrafts. The pilot stated he added power and executed a normal approach at 120 knots, compensating for downdrafts/crosswinds. After touchdown, the pilot said he did not get a beta light on the right engine. He stated he brought the power levers 'behind the gate into reverse.' The aircraft drifted left. The pilot said he corrected with brakes and nosewheel steering. He applied takeoff power and the aircraft veered right, and ran off the right side of the runway. The aircraft collided with a dirt bank and then trees. Three tire skid marks were observed on the right side of the runway. A pilot-witness said winds were gusting 22-25 knots, variable from 130-220°. He said the aircraft landed fast and long. Examination of the engines and props revealed no evidence of malfunction. The engine manufacturer recommends prop reverse not be used on icy runway or when beta light on one engine does not illuminate. The aircraft manufacturer advises that nosewheel steering should not be used at speeds below 40 knots. All six occupants were injured, two seriously.

Aircraft reference details include registration N4468M, MSN T26-119, year of manufacture 1969.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 37.9375°, -107.8123°.