Incident
On final approach to Cheyenne Municipal Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions, including snowfall, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed in flames and exploded a few dozen yards from the airfield. The impact and resulting fire totally destroyed the aircraft.
Crew
All five crew members were killed in the accident. They were identified as Lt Col Frank L. Trochak, Maj Fabian Dauzvardis, Maj James C. Beach, S/Sgt Paul Huston, and an additional unnamed crew member.
Background
The aircraft had just completed a flight carrying 15 young cadets to the United States Air Force Academy. The nature of the flight subsequent to dropping off the cadets was not specified.