Crash Short of Runway During Missed Approach After Engine Failure at Denver-Stapleton (N590CA)

Accident

The approach to Denver-Stapleton was conducted in poor weather conditions, below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for an ASR approach. Upon reaching the decision height, the pilot-in-command could not locate the runway and initiated a go-around. During the missed approach, the left engine failed. The airplane subsequently stalled and impacted terrain short of the runway threshold. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, and five other occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was an engine failure or malfunction during the missed approach procedure. The accident resulted from the combination of the following factors:

• Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls
• Ice induction
• Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain
• The pilot failed to maintain flying speed
• Airframe ice
• Complete failure of the left engine
• Incorrect use of alt air left engine
• Weather above DH for AST approach offered and accepted by the pilot
• Weather below MDA for ASR approach