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Aircraft Accident Near Buffalo Pass, Colorado (N6385R)

Steamboat Spgs, CO, US

On November 25, 1989, a Piper PA-28 (registration N6385R) operated by Mccosh, Joseph D. was involved in an aviation accident near Steamboat Spgs, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) AND HIS DELAY IN DIVERTING OR REVERSING COURSE. THE TERRAIN, WEATHER CONDITIONS, WING ICE, AND TREES WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Buffalo Pass, Colorado, after the pilot encountered a strong downdraft and icing while attempting to turn around. The flight was en route from Beloit, Kansas, to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Incident Overview and Flight Details An aircraft was en route from Beloit, Kansas, to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, when it landed at Fort Morgan, Colorado, for fuel. The pilot contacted the Denver Air Force Station (AFSS) to obtain a weather briefing and was advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The aircraft subsequently struck trees while the pilot was turning around, resulting in a crash. The passenger reported that the aircraft entered instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, began accumulating ice, and crashed during a turn to reverse direction. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the general area near Buffalo Pass, Colorado.

Icing

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1989 Piper PA-28 accident near Steamboat Spgs, CO?

An aircraft crashed near Buffalo Pass, Colorado, after the pilot encountered a strong downdraft and icing while attempting to turn around. The flight was en route from Beloit, Kansas, to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1989 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N6385R, operated by Mccosh, Joseph D., at Steamboat Spgs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) AND HIS DELAY IN DIVERTING OR REVERSING COURSE. THE TERRAIN, WEATHER CONDITIONS, WING ICE, AND TREES WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29783. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.