What happened
A cargo aircraft operating a non-scheduled flight crashed while traveling on a planned course of approximately 240 degrees. The intended route was meant to cover a distance of 92 nautical miles. However, the aircraft struck a steep, densely forested mountainside located roughly 15 to 16 nautical miles north of the flight's projected trajectory.
The wreckage was distributed across a debris field that started at an east-west ridge line and extended for 300 feet along a 010 degree track before reaching the main impact site. At the time of the accident, the surrounding environment was characterized by peak autumn foliage in the aspen trees and was known to be a habitat for local elk populations.
Findings
An inspection of the engines and the airframe was conducted following the accident. This examination found no evidence of preimpact discrepancies or mechanical failures prior to the collision with the terrain.