Incident
A cargo flight operating between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Castle Rock, Colorado, crashed during its final approach. The aircraft impacted the ground a few miles short of the runway threshold and was engulfed in flames. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while two other occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the crew encountered adverse weather including icing, low ceiling, and snowfall. Visibility was reduced to one mile in blowing snow.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a controlled collision with the ground during initial approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included low ceiling, snow, icing conditions, visibility of one mile or less, the pilot having been upgraded to the left seat six days prior to the accident, the copilot having been certified on the aircraft type two days prior, and overall crew inexperience.
Crew Experience
The pilot had been upgraded to the left seat just six days before the accident, and the copilot had received type certification only two days prior. The investigation noted the crew's lack of experience as a contributing factor.