Plane Crash Near Centennial Airport Kills Two
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A single-engine plane crash near Centennial Airport on Sept. 5 killed two occupants when the aircraft's engine stopped during an instructional flight, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
The pilot, Perry “Matt” Feeney, 52, of Arvada, and his passenger, Lee “Rob” Hill, 64, of Greenwood Village, were on a flight to assess a Beech P35 aircraft for purchase. The report indicates that no distress calls were made prior to the crash.
Witnesses described the plane flying lower than usual before the engine ceased functioning. A firefighter stationed approximately 1.5 miles south of the crash heard the aircraft and noted the engine failure. A nearby resident observed the plane in a steep left bank and descending but initially believed it was conducting a training maneuver.
Surveillance footage captured the plane banking right just before impact, landing on a paved driveway of an industrial site. The aircraft collided with concrete barriers, leading to severe structural damage, including a fractured left wing and retracted landing gear.
The crash ignited a fire that posed a risk to nearby structures and a generator; first responders quickly contained the blaze, initially reported as an explosion. The wreckage has been retained for further investigation.
No additional details about injuries or emergency response were provided.