Departure and Clearance
N4742P departed El Paso, Texas, on an IFR flight plan with a clearance to climb to 10,000 feet. No climb restrictions were included in the clearance. Because El Paso Tower had shut down for the night, departure control service was provided by Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC).
ATC Interaction
The controller established radar contact with N4742P and asked the pilot if he could maintain a heading of 260 degrees. Subsequently, the controller gave him a 10-degree turn to the left. The controller provided radar vectors when the aircraft was below the minimum vectoring altitude. The controller did not issue a safety advisory when he was aware that the aircraft was in unsafe proximity to terrain.
Accident
The aircraft crashed about 200 feet below the crest of a 6,250-foot-high mountain ridge. The pilot and three passengers aboard the aircraft were fatally injured as a result of the crash impact and ensuing fire.
Investigation
The investigation revealed improper application of ATC procedures.