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Casualties unknown

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes in Mountainous Terrain After Pilot Ignored Weather Warnings (N12GG)

Steamboat Sprin, CO, US

On September 5, 1992, a Beech E-55 (registration N12GG) operated by Rms Sales, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Steamboat Sprin, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING, HIS INTENTIONAL VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, HIS LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT TIME, AND… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed after the pilot departed despite a weather briefing that warned of thunderstorms, icing, and turbulence. Hunters reported low flying and impact. Minimal wreckage scatter occurred.

Weather Briefing

Before departure, the instrument-rated pilot obtained a weather briefing. The briefing indicated that VFR flight was not recommended due to a line of thunderstorms between the departure point and destination. A convective SIGMET had been issued. Additionally, flight precautions had been posted for mountain obscurement, light to moderate mixed to clear icing, and occasional light to moderate turbulence.

Departure and Flight

The pilot did not file a flight plan and departed. Records show the pilot had not flown between 1978 and 1991, and had recently been given a checkout in the accident airplane.

Accident Sequence

Hunters reported seeing a low-flying twin-engine airplane circle the area, then they heard the impact. According to the hunters, the weather at the time consisted of a low ceiling, reduced visibility, fog, high winds, and rain that followed a snow shower.

Wreckage

The impact was near vertical, resulting in minimal wreckage scatter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1992 Beech E-55 accident near Steamboat Sprin, CO?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed after the pilot departed despite a weather briefing that warned of thunderstorms, icing, and turbulence. Hunters reported low flying and impact. Minimal wreckage scatter occurred.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 1992 involved a Beech E-55, registration N12GG, operated by Rms Sales, Inc., at Steamboat Sprin, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT BECOMING SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING, HIS INTENTIONAL VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, HIS LACK OF RECENT INSTRUMENT TIME, AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15681. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.