What happened
On a scheduled cargo flight from Aspen to Denver, Colorado, a Cessna 208A was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) to transport freight. During the approach phase, the aircraft was executing an ILS runway 36 approach when it encountered environmental conditions characterized by freezing drizzle and snow showers. As the aircraft progressed through the approach, it entered a steep descent and ultimately crashed roughly three miles from the approach end of the runway.
At the time of the accident, the weather at the airport included visibility of 4 miles, with scattered clouds at 800 feet and broken clouds at 1,000 feet. The temperature was recorded at 28 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the aircraft encountered icing conditions during the approach. A review of the wreckage and components revealed that there were no failures of any aircraft parts prior to the impact.