Accident Details
A scheduled commuter flight departed Steamboat Springs-Bob Adams Airport at 1855 local time bound for Denver-Stapleton, carrying 20 passengers and a crew of two. During climb, the crew encountered severe icing conditions and received clearance to return. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a mountain at the 10,530-foot level.
Casualties and Rescue
Rescuers arrived at the crash site the following morning. One pilot and one passenger died in the accident; the other 20 occupants sustained injuries, most of them serious.
Weather Conditions
Official observations taken approximately 25 minutes before the accident at Steamboat Springs indicated an estimated overcast ceiling of 2,000 feet and visibility of 6 miles in freezing rain. After the crash, surviving passengers reported that snow was falling at the site and a strong, gusty wind was blowing from the west.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was severe icing and strong downdrafts associated with a mountain wave which combined to exceed the aircraft's capability to maintain flight. Contributing to the accident was the captain's decision to fly into probable icing conditions that exceeded the conditions authorised by company directive.