Denver - Durango

On February 2, 1988 at 08:32 PM, Denver - Durango experienced a crash involving Convair CV-580, operated by Aspen Airways, with the event recorded near Durango-La Plata County Colorado.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

41 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 41 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 38, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is other causes. After making an IFR approach, the pilot made a go-around because he was blinded by the reflection of the landing/taxi lights against the falling snow. The pilot landed the aircraft after the second approach. The pilot said he sensed the aircraft drifting to the left and he tried to correct, but it collided with a snow bank. The investigation disclosed no evidence of aircraft hydroplaning or skidding. Airport management elected to delay plowing the runway for fear of it freezing over. Passengers claimed there was 2-3 inches of snow on top of a 3/4- inch layer of slush. Further investigation revealed that the runway lights were of various intensities because some unapproved light bulbs of different amperage were used. The runway was not equipped with centerline lighting. The painted white centerline stripe was covered by snow and slush.

Aircraft reference details include registration N5808, MSN 348, year of manufacture 1966.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 37.2769°, -107.8766°.