What happened
On the afternoon of March 22, 2009, a Pilatus PC-12/45, registered as N128CM, was performing a diversion to Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) in Butte, Montana. The aircraft had originally departed from Oroville Municipal Airport in California, operating under instrument flight rules with an intended destination of Gallatin Field in Bozeman, Montana.
During the flight, the aircraft was operating under visual meteorological conditions. While attempting to land at the diverted destination, the plane struck the ground approximately 2,100 feet west of runway 33. The impact of the crash and a subsequent fire caused 14 fatalities, including the pilot and all 13 passengers. The aircraft, which was owned by Eagle Cap Leasing, sustained substantial damage during the event.
Findings
No specific contributing factors or official conclusions regarding the crash were provided in the source material.