What happened
On the morning of March 3, 1991, a Boeing 737 operated by United Airlines, identified by registration N999UA, was performing a scheduled service from Denver to Colorado Springs. The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules, though weather conditions at the time were characterized by visual meteorological conditions.
As the aircraft was transitioning onto its final approach for runway 35 at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, a sudden and severe flight path deviation occurred. At approximately 09:44 mountain standard time, the plane began a continuous roll to the right. This motion was accompanied by a significant nose-down pitch, eventually bringing the aircraft into a nearly vertical descent. The plane struck the ground in the vicinity of Widefield Park.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 25 fatalities recorded, representing the entire population of the aircraft, which included the 2 flight crewmembers, 3 flight attendants, and 20 passengers.
Findings
Witnesses at the scene observed the steady right-hand roll and the subsequent steepening pitch of the aircraft prior to impact.