On October 2, 1970, Martin 404, N464M, was operated for the purpose of transporting the Wichita State University football team from Wichita, Kansas, to Logan, Utah. Following a refueling stop at Denver, Colorado, the flight proceeded via a 'scenic' route up Clear Creek Valley, toward Loveland Pass (elevation 11,990 feet mean sea level) and the Loveland ski resort area. The mountains on either side of the flightpath ranged from 12,477 feet m.s.l. to 13,234 feet m.s.l. At approximately 1300 m.d.t., the aircraft crashed into the base of Mount Trelease, 8 miles west of Silver Plume, Colorado. Of the 40 persons on board, 29, including the captain and a stewardess, received fatal injuries. Two of the surviving passengers later succumbed to injuries received in the crash. The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the intentional operation of the aircraft over a mountain valley route at an altitude from which the aircraft could neither climb over the obstructing terrain ahead, nor execute a successful course reversal. (Author)
Aircraft Accident Report. Martin 404, N464M, 8 Statute Miles West of Silver Plume, Colorado, October 2, 1970
1970
64 pages
Report
No indication
English