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PM Air Flight 824: Fatal Terrain Collision in Colorado (N835FE)

Mt Massive, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 17, 1990, a Cessna 208A Caravan (registration N835FE) operated by Federal Express - FedEx was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Massive, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Diversion of the pilot's attention, resulting in an in flight collision with terrain during normal cruise flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

PM Air Flight 824, a Federal Express cargo flight, crashed into Mt. Massive in Colorado after the pilot canceled IFR. The sole pilot was killed. The probable cause was diversion of attention leading to in-flight terrain collision.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence PM Air Flight 824 was a scheduled domestic cargo flight operated for Federal Express. The flight departed Denver, Colorado, at 0642 under instrument flight rules (IFR) with a destination of Montrose, Colorado. The aircraft was cleared to flight level 180, but the pilot canceled the IFR clearance at 0653. Radar data indicated that the aircraft leveled off at 14,500 feet on a southwest heading. The aircraft maintained a relatively constant altitude and heading before it struck terrain approximately 50 feet below the summit of Mt. Massive, which has an elevation of 14,221 feet and is the second tallest peak in Colorado. The impact occurred at approximately 0719. Weather conditions were clear and visibility was unlimited (CAVU). The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, was killed in the accident.

Probable cause

Diversion of the pilot's attention, resulting in an in flight collision with terrain during normal cruise flight.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jan 1990 Cessna 208A Caravan accident near Mt Massive, United States of America?

PM Air Flight 824, a Federal Express cargo flight, crashed into Mt. Massive in Colorado after the pilot canceled IFR. The sole pilot was killed. The probable cause was diversion of attention leading to in-flight terrain collision.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 1990 Cessna 208A Caravan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 208A Caravan, registration N835FE, operated by Federal Express - FedEx, at Mt Massive, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Diversion of the pilot's attention, resulting in an in flight collision with terrain during normal cruise flight.

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