Accident Details
A commercial pilot and a friend departed from Aztec, New Mexico, with the intention of flying over Wolf Creek Pass en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to the pilot, the aircraft would not climb over the pass. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees in mountainous terrain.
Performance Factors
The manufacturer's pilot operating manual indicated that the aircraft had a zero climb rate for the conditions reported at the time of the accident at the elevation of the pass. No further information about the specific conditions or aircraft performance capabilities was provided in the source.
Circumstances
The flight was a personal trip, not a commercial operation. The pilot and passenger were the only occupants. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with trees. The source does not specify the type or registration of the aircraft, the date of the accident, or whether air traffic control was involved. No injuries or fatalities are mentioned in the source.
Conclusion
The accident occurred when the aircraft, unable to achieve the necessary climb rate, struck trees in the mountainous area near Wolf Creek Pass. The source does not assign a probable cause or provide analysis beyond the performance limitation noted in the manual.