At approximately 1030 Mountain time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain during cruise flight. Visual conditions prevailed. The Commercial pilot and three passengers were killed. Radar track data showed a VFR target approaching the area from the southeast at 13,500 feet msl. The target proceeded northwest until reaching Wilson Peak, a 14,017-foot mountain. The radar track ended there at 1030. A weather observation nine miles to the northeast of the accident site included ceilings of 4900 broken, 6500 overcast; visibility 10 miles with light rain; temperature 54 degrees Fahrenheit and calm winds. Lightning was reported in the distance north and northwest of the Telluride airport.
September 15, 2006, Telluride, Colo. / Beech 35-C33 Debonair
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial pilot and three passengers were killed when their airplane impacted mountainous terrain near Wilson Peak (14,017 ft) during cruise flight.
- Radar data showed the VFR aircraft, flying at 13,500 feet, approached the peak before the track ended at the impact site.
- Although visual conditions were reported at the accident site, nearby weather observations included broken/overcast ceilings, light rain, and distant lightning, potentially complicating mountain flight.
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