Background
The airplane was completing a charter flight from Denver to Granby on behalf of Conquest Aero Resources. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in adverse weather conditions, including low clouds and snowfall.
Accident
During the cruise segment of the flight, the aircraft struck a mountain near Rollinsville. The pilot failed to realize that the altitude was insufficient to clear the terrain. The wreckage was located two days later, on December 28.
All nine occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain. The pilot had continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the aircraft impacting the mountain.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors included improper in-flight decisions, disregard of good operating practice, high obstructions, low ceiling, snow, and fog.