What happened
Shortly after departing from Denver-Arapahoe County Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather conditions. Approximately nine and a half minutes into the ascent, the crew notified air traffic control of an emergency situation involving airframe icing. In response to this declaration, controllers provided vectors directing the aircraft toward Denver-Stapleton International Airport.
During the climb, the aircraft began a controlled descent. The flight ended when the plane struck a prairie area situated roughly 13 miles east of Arapahoe County Airport and northeast of Parker. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 10 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors related to the operation of the aircraft under icing conditions. A primary factor was the rapid buildup of ice on the wing surfaces behind the deicing boots, which compromised the aerodynamic ability of the plane to sustain level flight.
Additional findings indicated that the crew did not secure an updated weather briefing prior to takeoff. Furthermore, the crew did not decide to abort the climb and return to the departure airport in a timely manner. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was being operated at weights exceeding maximum limits while maintaining high angles of attack during the encounter with severe icing.