Continental Airlines Flight 1713, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-14, was involved in a catastrophic accident during its takeoff from Stapleton International Airport in Denver, Colorado. The flight was scheduled to travel to Boise, Idaho, with 64 individuals onboard, including both passengers and crew. As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, it encountered severe icing conditions that had accumulated on the wings due to a snowstorm, which impeded the plane's ability to generate lift.

As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, the flight crew attempted to proceed despite the deteriorating conditions. Just seconds after becoming airborne, the flight lost control due to insufficient airspeed and aerodynamic stall. Ultimately, the aircraft crashed into a field, leading to a tragic loss of life, with 25 individuals fatally injured. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the harsh weather conditions hampered rescue efforts.

The investigation that followed highlighted the critical importance of pre-flight safety checks, particularly concerning ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces. The accident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement more stringent protocols regarding winter weather operations for commercial aviation, reflecting on the lessons learned from this unfortunate incident.