Incident Overview
On the day of the incident, at 1906 hours, a flight was cleared by air traffic control to descend and maintain 7,500 feet, and to turn right to a heading of 040 for an Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approach to Pueblo Memorial Airport. The published minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 5,200 feet.
Communications
The flight crew read back the clearance as "left to one forty five two zero zero," which was an incorrect response. Approach control promptly advised the flight that the correct heading was 040, and the flight acknowledged this correction. No further radio communications were received from the flight.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft continued on a heading of approximately 040 in level flight. It struck the tundra at a speed estimated to be in excess of 200 miles per hour.
Post-Accident Findings
An autopsy of the copilot revealed that the trachea, bronchi, and lungs contained aspirated gastric contents, including skeletal muscle fibers. This finding indicates that the copilot had vomited and subsequently aspirated the material.
Background
A pilot from the same company reported that the copilot had experienced vomiting during a flight on November 14, 1982.