Accident Overview
SkyWest Airlines flight 5855 was conducting a VOR/DME-B approach to Elko Airport. The flight crew requested this approach and received approval. They subsequently reported their position over the Bullion VOR. About 30 seconds after that report, the aircraft crashed into terrain.
Crash Site and Conditions
The impact occurred at the top of a mountain, approximately 100 feet before the aircraft would have reached the Bullion VOR. The elevation at the crash site was about 6,460 feet. The minimum published crossing altitude at the VOR was 7,000 feet. Elko Airport, whose elevation is 5,135 feet, is located 4.1 miles from the VOR.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident was improper IFR procedure by the captain and inadequate monitoring of the approach by the first officer, which resulted in a failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach. Factors related to the accident included the terrain and weather conditions at the accident site.