Aircraft impact on Mount Yale near Buena Vista

12 fatalities • Mt Yale, United States of America • Flight

A military aircraft crashed into the north face of Mount Yale in Colorado, resulting in the deaths of all twelve people on board.

What happened

An aircraft departed from Ent Air Force Base located in Colorado Springs, heading in a westward direction. During its flight path, after traversing the area near Buena Vista, the plane struck the north face of Mount Yale, which reaches an elevation of 4,328 meters. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the mountain terrain.

There were 12 fatalities resulting from the crash, as every person on board perished in the accident. The occupants included the pilot, a co-pilot, and ten additional passengers consisting of military personnel and one civilian.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crash was determined to be a controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-09-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mt Yale, United States of America?

A military aircraft crashed into the north face of Mount Yale in Colorado, resulting in the deaths of all twelve people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-09-24 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-09-24 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-48146, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Mt Yale, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was determined to be a controlled flight into terrain.

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