What happened
A military cargo operation traveling from Lowry AFB to Ogden-Hill AFB ended in a fatal accident while traversing the Rocky Mountains. During the cruise phase of the flight at an altitude of 12,500 feet, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions. While navigating these conditions, the plane impacted a mountain slope, leading to a high-impact crash and subsequent fire.
Search and rescue efforts were launched immediately following the disappearance; however, these operations were halted several days later when no evidence of the wreckage or the crew could be located. The debris field was not discovered until 8 July 1964. The accident resulted in three fatalities, as all occupants perished in the crash. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the resulting flames.
Findings
Investigations into the disaster highlighted several critical issues regarding flight preparation and execution. It was concluded that the crew made an improper in-flight decision or failed to plan adequately for the environment they encountered. Additionally, the weather briefing provided to the aircrew by military personnel at Lowry AFB prior to departure was deemed insufficient, serving as a contributing factor to the loss of the aircraft.