NTSB: Propeller power failure might have brought down plane

MONTROSE — The cause of a fatal plane crash here Monday has been tentatively linked to the propeller's apparent failure to turn, National Transportation Safety Board Senior Air Safety Investigator Arnold Scott said Tuesday afternoon.

The Beechcraft Bonanza, recently purchased by David Gibson of Aspen, crashed into a semi tractor trailer parked in a Montrose neighborhood on South Ninth Street Monday morning. Gibson, 61, and flight instructor Larry Smalley, 65, of Rifle, were killed on impact. The semi and two other vehicles were destroyed.

Scott, who was on-scene by Monday night, said Tuesday that investigators hadn't seen much rotation in the propeller. Because the engine powers the propeller, the NTSB suspected engine problems might have brought the plane down.

Crews contracted through Beechcraft Air Company worked several hours in the hot July sun Tuesday, removing the aircraft's wreckage from the scene. Scott said the plane and engine are bound for Greeley, where investigators will examine the engine. As part of standard investigatory procedures, autopsy and toxicology testing have been scheduled.

Scott said there were no indications of poor weather at the time of the crash. Also, Gibson and Smalley were both qualified pilots and pilot error did not appear to have been a factor. Scott said Gibson had been trying to log 15 hours of flight time on the Beechcraft with an instructor for insurance purposes.

For the full story, see Wednesday's Daily Press.