Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed into a mountain in a controlled crash situation. The accident occurred at an elevation of 11,312 feet, where the density altitude was computed to be 12,370 feet MSL. The aircraft was configured with full flaps and full power at the time of impact.
Pilot's Actions
Prior to departure, the pilot was aware that weather conditions were questionable in some areas of the intended route and that mountain tops were obscured. After receiving a weather briefing from the Flight Service Station (FSS) at Grand Junction, the pilot indicated that he would go and flight-check the weather in the area and then call the FSS back. No further communications were received from the flight after takeoff.
The pilot gave several accounts of his difficulties to different people, none of which could be verified. Specifically, the pilot's account of a lightning strike and airframe failure was not supported by wreckage examination or by witnesses who observed the aircraft circling a valley west of the trail on which they were horseback riding.
According to the pilot, he could not maintain altitude. He then turned into the hillside, lowered the flaps, applied full power, and settled into the trees.
Aftermath
All four occupants exited the aircraft with minor or no injuries. No further details were provided about the occupants or the condition of the aircraft.