What happened
On December 15, 2010, a Beech B60, registration N571M, crashed into mountainous, snow-covered terrain approximately 5.5 miles north-northwest of Edwards, Colorado. The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) on a flight from Pueblo, Colorado, to Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE).
At approximately 15:51 MST, the pilot received clearance from Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center to descend to 15,000 feet. Shortly after, the pilot was cleared for a DME approach to runway 25. While the pilot acknowledged the approach clearance, the aircraft failed to establish voice communications with the Eagle Tower as instructed.
Radar data showed the aircraft at 11,20 and then depicted the plane turning toward the final approach course before performing a 180-degree turn. The aircraft disappeared from radar at 11,200 feet. The wreckage was later found at an elevation of 10,725 feet, where the aircraft had impacted the terrain in a nose-down, right turn, followed by a post-impact fire.
The flight involved two occupants: the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger. Both individuals sustained 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was recovered and moved to a storage facility in Greeley, Colorado. The investigation included representatives from the NTSB, Hawker Beechcraft, Lycoming Engines, and the FAA.
Mechanical examination of the two Lycoming TIO-541-E1C4 engines showed no anomalies; both magnetos produced blue sparks when tested, and air movement and valve continuity were normal. The propellers exhibited impact damage and bowing, but no mechanical failure was identified. The de-icing boots and lines were heavily damaged by fire, preventing functional testing, though the de-ice system regulator and ejector were found to have functioned as designed. The fuel selectors were set to the main tanks, and fuel screens were free of contaminants.
Findings
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with overcast skies, reduced visibility, and snow showers. Meteorological reports indicated a high probability of moderate rime and mixed icing, with SIGMET advisories for occasional severe rime and mixed icing below 16,000 feet. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft's windshield heat was inoperative, and the owner had been advised that the aircraft was no longer certified for flight into known icing conditions.