That particular model plane had a bad record of engine failure under freezing conditions. Pilot had rank to overrule weather warnings from the tower. Hubris cost him his life, and that of his innocent passengers.

Miller was not blameless himself -- his last-minute flight was not arranged through official channels, and his scheduled transport flight had been cancelled due to weather. His unofficial flight was arranged through personal connections, and there was no official filing of his plan to travel. The fact that he was on a plane which disappeared over the sea was not noted for three days as a result. He had been worried about having time to prepare for an upcoming broadcast, and his worries overrode caution.