Model of plane that crashed near Denver has fatal history

LITTLETON, Colo. — The model of aircraft that plummeted nose first into a parking lot south of Denver on Friday night killing two pilots has been involved in scores of fatal accidents in its history.

The Mitsubishi MU-2, widely considered a cheap and fast cargo plane, have been involved in 180 accidents in the past 36 years, with more than 200 fatalities, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane that crashed Friday just after taking off from Centennial Airport had to make an emergency landing 15 years ago after a propeller fell off one of its engines near Erie, Pa., federal aviation records show.

Some pilots familiar with the MU-2 say it is difficult to maneuver, particularly at low altitudes and speeds. One longtime pilot questions whether the model should continue to be in service.

A review of the backgrounds of the pilots killed in Friday's crash shows neither was certified to fly that model aircraft, according to available federal aviation records.

Pilot Paul Krysiak, 28, of Aurora, Colo., and trainee James Presba, 25, of Lone Tree, Colo., died in the crash.

Krysiak, who had more than 3,000 flight hours, had been a pilot for Flight Line Inc., located at Front Range Airport in Watkins, Colo., for a year, Flight Line President Anthony Mulei said Saturday. "Paul was a very good person and an excellent pilot," he said.

Federal Aviation Administration pilot records show Krysiak held an airline transport pilot's certificate that was issued in January. The only "type rating," or aircraft-type certification, that Krysiak had on his FAA record was for the BE-300, which aviation officials said refers to the Beechcraft King Air 300.

Presba was a pilot and joined the flight as part of his training to become a Flight Line employee, Mulei said. The freight company employs 20 pilots, he said. "He was not in command or ready to fly the plane," Mulei said.

Presba held a commercial pilot's certificate, issued in April 2003. He had no type ratings on his FAA airmen's record. Presba also had flight instructor and ground instructor certificates.

Krysiak flew the plane five times a week, transporting freight to Salt Lake City, his destination Friday night, Mulei said. He was scheduled to make a return trip at 11:30 p.m. Friday night, Mulei said.

The plane was carrying checks and parts for agricultural equipment, Mulei said.