Incident Summary
A small twin-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport on the morning of May 17, 2025, leaving no survivors, according to local authorities. The plane, a Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron, went down near U.S. Highway 36 in the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, just west of Broomfield and north of the airport.
Emergency services were notified around 10:00 a.m. after the aircraft issued a distress call indicating a problem with the door. The pilot told air traffic control they were attempting to return for landing, but radio communication was lost moments later. Despite multiple runway clearances from the tower, the plane never made it back.
Eyewitnesses and a nearby pilot reported seeing the aircraft crash just north of the highway. The aircraft was fully engulfed in flames upon impact, but firefighters from North Metro Fire Rescue extinguished the fire within minutes of arrival. Officials have confirmed that two individuals were on board, and both were killed in the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
Early information suggests the flight encountered mechanical trouble almost immediately after takeoff, specifically a malfunction with the cabin door. The pilot’s final transmission indicated difficulty hearing due to the open door, followed by an attempt to return to the airport.
The Beechcraft Baron, a well-known twin-engine model built between 1964 and 1982, is commonly used in general aviation and flight training. While cabin door issues are not typically considered flight-critical, they can lead to cockpit distractions, airflow disturbances, and communication breakdowns — all of which may contribute to a cascading emergency if not handled promptly.
The NTSB’s investigation will likely examine:
- Whether the door failure was mechanical or due to improper preflight procedures
- Aircraft maintenance records and the history of recent repairs or inspections
- The pilot’s actions and experience level
- Weather conditions, runway, and traffic conditions at the time of departure
- Any additional failures, such as engine or control system issues, that may have emerged during the return attempt
Risks and Safety Considerations
While small aircraft accidents represent a small fraction of total aviation incidents, they often carry a higher fatality rate due to the lack of redundancy and limited survivability in the event of a crash. The Beechcraft Baron, though well-respected, requires close attention to both airworthiness and preflight checks.
This crash underscores several safety concerns:
- Seemingly minor mechanical issues — such as a loose door — can become serious in flight
- Distractions and communication loss can impede a pilot’s ability to respond to emergencies
- General aviation pilots may face difficult decisions during critical moments of takeoff or return
- Prompt coordination with air traffic control and emergency services is essential, yet time-sensitive
Legal Rights and Options
For the families of those killed in this tragedy, the next steps may involve pursuing a wrongful death claim if negligence or mechanical failure played a role. Potentially liable parties could include:
- The aircraft owner or operator for any failure to inspect or maintain the plane properly
- A maintenance provider if improper service or repairs contributed to the mechanical failure
- The manufacturer or parts supplier if a defective component caused the emergency
- A third-party instructor, operator, or mechanic if recent handling of the aircraft was negligent
A thorough investigation, including analysis of maintenance records, pilot logs, and radio communications, will be critical in identifying the root cause of the crash and establishing liability.
A skilled aviation accident attorney can help families navigate FAA and NTSB investigations, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation for their loss.
Contact an Aviation Accident Attorney
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our plane crash lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving aircraft mechanical failure and fatal aviation accidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by a plane crash, call 713-804-9306 today for a free and confidential consultation.