Fatal aircraft accident near Wolcott, Colorado

7 fatalities • Wolcott, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Wolcott, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board during its descent.

What happened

During a flight originating from Shreveport, the crew began their descent toward Eagle County Airport in Colorado. The conditions at the time were characterized by darkness and an overcast ceiling. While maneuvering through these low-visibility conditions, the aircraft descended to an insufficient altitude and collided with a mountain slope.

The impact occurred approximately 13 miles northeast of its destination, near the community of Wolcott. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were seven fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was controlled flight into terrain resulting from improper instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by improper IFR operations leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-11-18 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Wolcott, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Wolcott, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board during its descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-11-18 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-11-18 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N444AR, operated by Aldora Corporation, at Wolcott, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by improper IFR operations leading to controlled flight into terrain.

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