Accident Overview
Frontier Airlines Flight 32, operated on March 12, 1964, crashed and burned during an instrument approach to the Miles City Airport in Miles City, Montana, at approximately 2050 m.s.t. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. All five occupants—three crew members and two passengers—were killed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather conditions last reported to the flight were at the operational minima: ceiling 400 feet and visibility one mile. Wet snow, strong gusty winds, and near freezing temperatures prevailed.
Investigation
The investigation revealed no malfunctioning of any of the aircraft's components or of any of the pertinent airport navigational facilities, including the VOR which was utilized. All applicable FAA certification was in order.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the Board, was the descent below obstructing terrain, for reasons undeterminable, during an instrument approach in adverse weather conditions.